WS EMS Investigated for Missing Drugs …

WS EMS Investigated for Missing Drugs …

Takeover by ESD #1?

By Gloria Way

  The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Winnie Stowell Emergency Medical Services (WS EMS) is under investigation for “missing narcotics” and “questionable documentation” of said drugs. Among the most dangerous of the drugs that are reported missing is fentanyl. Fentanyl is a Schedule II drug that is similar to morphine but is 100 times more potent. Investigators have reported that dozens of vials of fentanyl are not accounted for according to records obtained from the WS EMS office. Other narcotics are missing as well. Several employees of WS EMS are being investigated for allegedly signing off on “questionable” documentation dealing with the status of the fentanyl supply. The State of Texas has very strict protocols and policies regarding the handling of Schedule II narcotics. Paperwork must be very specific on how much of any drug is available with the EMS and how much of the drug was administered on a call. All narcotics are supposed to be locked up with only the paramedic on duty having access to the drugs. And, when an accounting of the drugs is made, two persons are to take inventory with both persons signing off that the drugs are accounted for. The investigation is looking at records as far back as 2022 for possible mishandling of narcotics.

  As a result of the investigation, WS EMS fired its director, and the second in command is now the interim director. The Sheriff’s Office said that charges are expected to be filed on not only the former emergency management director but several employees as well.

  Commissioner Jimmy Gore, whose precinct includes the WS EMS, stated that his main concern is not only accounting for the missing narcotics but also a continuation of quality emergency medical services to the residents of Winnie and Stowell. “We need to make sure that people feel confident that when they call 911, qualified EMS personnel will respond quickly to their medical emergency.”

  The Emergency Services District #1(ESD#1) board met last Wednesday night, and the topic of conversation was whether ESD#1 should “take over” the management of WS EMS. One board member said that several WS EMS employees have approached him about WS EMS operating under the umbrella of ESD #1. He stated that the employees told him that they want to be a part of an organization where they qualify for the same benefits as employees of Chambers County EMS. ESD #1 is not an arm of county government. Its board is appointed by the county commissioners’ court but operates independently of county authority. It is financially supported by a percentage of the state sales tax. WS EMS is supported by the Health Services Tax which is controlled by Commissioners Court.

  Apparently, there is concern about WS EMS having adequate protocols and policies in place to ensure the proper handling of all narcotics. Also, there is concern about the continuous operation of WS EMS. Hence, the desire to have WS EMS under the umbrella of ESD #1. WS EMS held a board meeting Monday evening to discuss the “merging of WSVEMS’s operations and transferring its assets and licenses to the Chambers County Emergency Services District No.1”. The board tabled the issue for further study and discussion. WS EMS President Dennis Dugat stated that he is not against the idea, but more consideration and discussion must be had before voting on the item.

  Commissioner Pct 4 Ryan Dagley, Commissioners’ Court liaison to the county’s EMS, informed The Seabreeze Beacon that there has been no discussion whatsoever among Commissioners Court as a whole about WS EMS and ESD#1’s  possible merger.