Ohio Fire Department To Buy 18 Vending Machines To Dispense Life-Saving Drugs

A Columbus, OH fire station has set aside $220,000 to purchase 18 vending machines that will help fire crews and paramedics care for people in emergencies, according to the Columbus Dispatch. The vending machines will keep track of the drugs used to restock medic units, many of which are regulated by state and federal agencies. A unique identification number or biometric scan of a thumbprint will replace the old manual process of recording the medication restocking, cutting down on clerical error and abuse. Plus, the system keeps track of inventory levels, including when drugs need to be removed due to approaching expiration dates.