Medication storage in the EMS environment: understanding the science and meeting the standards.

In most systems, current EMS medication storage practices are not consistent with USP standards. Exposure to excessive heat and excessive cold are both common. Although the clinical implications of noncompliant storage remain unclear, it's in the best interest of patients to do everything possible to meet the standards. To help in this effort, USP has generated EMS-specific guidance for medication storage. Most of the strategies for achieving compliance with USP standards are relatively simple and inexpensive. All EMS systems should develop a plan for medication storage that strives to achieve compliance with the USP standards, and reevaluate that plan on a regular basis.