** Kentucky EMT to stand trial in June on drug charges
** Connecticut EMTs seeing more patients overdosing on synthetic marijuana
UNITED STATES NEWS
** A Carter County, Kentucky paramedic could face up to 20 years in prison after being charged with replacing Fentanyl ampules with saline. That is the word from The Daily Independent (Leeann Akers/April 23) which said Grahn resident Amanda Sturgill Jones pleaded not guilty to the tags on April 16. According to the newspaper, Jones allegedly committed the crimes while employed with Carter County EMS. Following the charges, she was fired from her job and her EMS licence pulled. Along with prison time, a conviction could also see her pay $250,000 in fines as well as restitution. Trial has been set for June 8 in US District Court in Ashland.
** Connecticut EMTs in New London are apparently seeing a hike in the number of patients overdosing on synthetic marijuana. WFSB (April 23) said the substance known as K2 can provoke particularly violent reactions from patients. According to the news service, many providers must have police present during EMS treatment. Along with aggression, such patients demonstrate altered mental status, confusion, and agitation. EMT Jeff Doucette said while Narcan is becoming more available to treat such overdoses, K2 is often mixed with other drugs that may or may not respond to naloxone.
