FOI 25-316 IV Drug Incidents
Freedom of Information Request
- Reference
- FOI 25-316 IV Drug Incidents
- Request Date
- 23 Jul 2025
- Response Date
- 20 Aug 2025
- Information Requested
How many intravenous drugs does the Scottish ambulance carry? In the past 5 years (April 2020 - March 2025) has there been any reported drug errors for giving the wrong intravenous drug? If so, how many? Has there been any adverse events as a result of giving the wrong intravenous drug? What is your process for checking the correct intravenous drug is given?
- Response
The Scottish Ambulance Service crews carry 26 intravenous drugs.
For the last five years there have been 12 incidents involving the wrong intravenous drugs being administered. The figures are too small to break this information down any further. There were no adverse events associated with the 12 incidents.
The Scottish Ambulance Service follow the six rights and double checks of medicines administrations process as endorsed by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives and College of Paramedics, more information can be found here - Basic Medication Administration Guide
