Washington Paramedic Investigated after Possible Overdose

Spokane police are investigating a city firefighter-paramedic for theft of prescription medications after she was found unconscious from a possible drug overdose Wednesday night while on duty.

The 32-year-old woman was hospitalized after she was discovered in a bathroom at Spokane Fire Station No. 11 between 6 and 7 p.m., said city spokeswoman Marlene Feist. The drugs were believed to have been taken intravenously.

The woman's co-workers at the South Hill station immediately called police when they suspected the drugs she took were Fire Department medications, Feist said. The paramedic's name was not released.

"The decision was made today that we wouldn't release the name until she was either charged or arrested," Feist said Wednesday. "There are some medical issues here, and that was part of the decision (not to release the name), as well, which is why this case is a little different."

The woman has been with the Fire Department for 10 years and is married to a Spokane police officer, Feist said. She is one of 17 women employed by the agency as firefighters or paramedics.

She has been placed on paid administrative leave while the drug theft is investigated, Feist said.

Officials would not comment about what drug was taken. However, some of the drugs the Fire Department has on hand for patients include dopamine, epinephrine, Demerol, morphine and succinylcholine - a drug used to paralyze patients so a breathing tube can be put down their throat - said Spokane Fire Assistant Chief Brian Schaeffer.

"It's a real unfortunate deal," Spokane Fire Local 29 President Greg Borg said. "First off we just want her to get well. And get rid of whatever demons are chasing her. People don't do things like this for fun. Obviously there's an underlying problem."

There will be consequences, Borg said. "But we'll deal with those as they come."

"We support the correct and ethical thing to be done," he added. "But we also support the employee's right to be treated fairly."

Borg, who has been with the department for 30 years, said he couldn't recall a previous time when an employee was suspected of stealing and using Fire Department drugs.

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