http://www.calgarysun.com/news/alberta/2010/05/19/14013751.html

By NADIA MOHARIB, CALGARY SUN

Should the culprit behind the tampering of narcotics supplies on ambulances be a paramedic struggling with drug addiction, the head of their union hopes they get help rather than face charges.

Rick Fraser said the tampering cases underscore the reality some, albeit a tiny percentage, might be struggling with drug abuse issues.

“We often forget paramedics, police officers and firefighters are people with real problems,” he said, adding issues are exacerbated by what they have to contend with on the job.

“We see the worst of the worst and everyone deals with it differently.”

Alberta Health Services recently launched an internal investigation after the discovery of a number of tampered-with drug vials containing the powerful narcotic Fentanyl.

Puncture holes were found in protective plastic caps – prompting a search for answers on who tampered with the vials and why.

“Hopefully, whoever is responsible steps up to the plate and we’ll do everything to get them help,” Fraser said of the possibility addiction played a role in the case.

“The first thing I heard from the employer is they want to make sure they get the right help.”

Several years ago a city paramedic committed suicide with drugs taken from the workplace, while there have been a few incidents where attempts were made.

Stressing such incidents as extremely rare, Fraser said the tampering are a reminder paramedics are not immune to turning to drugs to cope with life’s stresses.

“In the history of paramedics in the province, it is probably one percent or less that has ever had a drug abuse problem in the sense of taking drugs off the car,” he said.

“Most people are highly professional and guard these drugs – my guess is, for this particular case, this is a paramedic that is hurting, that is the only reason they would risk their job and risk criminal action against them — they need help.

“In my opinion, it reflects the stress of the job.”

Fraser added the case should serve as a wake-up call to ensure the best safeguards are in place to ensure this doesn’t happen.

AHS spokeswoman Sheila Rougeau said she cannot speculate on who tampered with the vials or why.

Saying the incidents “are of grave concern,” she stressed immediate steps were taken to better thwart against tampering — changing locks on safes where drugs are stored and limiting the number of staff who can access them, replacing multi-use vials with single-use glass ones which are tamper-proof and reminding staff to adhere to procedures in place to safeguard drugs.

“We see this as an opportune time to remind staff patient safety is everyone’s responsibility,” she said.

“We want to stress, there is no risk to public safety.”

Rougeau said at this point police are not involved in the probe.

There are about 500 Calgary paramedics.

nadia.moharib@sunmedia.ca