GeorgeKnight
Greenlighter
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2012
- Messages
- 2
I realize this is certainly a bit off topic (not quite the right word, more like unusual?) for this type of forums, but I've gained so much knowledge from just browsing these forums, and I'm really fascinated. Sorry, I've probably placed this in the totally wrong section, please move to a correct section if the moderators feel it would be more appropriate somewhere else.
I am a EMT, and use drugs in the back of an ambulance. I'm also a prepper/survivalist/backwoods austere medical enthusiast.
I have been able to acquire a large amount of epinephrine (I only specify drugs for the curious, I don't think it matters as to what I'm looking for in response to this thread), and diphenhydramine. At this point these are the only two drugs, though I intend to increase the drugs to a much larger variety.
I use these drugs all the time in the back of the ambulance, for allergic reactions, and cardiac arrests.
The drugs are in powder form, and as far as I can tell are as pure as I can get them, and were purchased from a biochemical company for use as research only chemicals.
My intent is to use the drugs in IV form, assuming I feel comfortable enough with the sterilization process described below.
At this point, unless anyone else has any ideas or suggestions, the plan is to:
PPE: Before starting this procedure I'll wear nitrile gloves, and a n-95 mask, possibly a HEPA mask if I feel like dropping the cash on one.
1) Clean and sterilize all equipment using a pressure cooker. I'll attach a small piece of autoclave tape to each piece of equipment including glass beakers, and stainless steel measuring spoons (only used as a spoon, not for measuring).
2) Dosing out of medications will be done with a milligram digital scale. I've purchased separate weights and confirmed it's reliability so long as the weigh material is above 5 milligrams, which I'll address by making "party vials" of the medications. Prior to dosing out medications I'll place everything in a room that has no windows, and hasn't had any fans running for at least an hour.
3) Medication in powder form will be placed in a purchased pre-sterilized vial, 10-50 ml (depending on drug). To do this first I'll break the seal, remove rubber topper, place medication inside vial, then replace rubber topper and place a new seal on the vial. I have a seal crimper for the 20mm vial necks, and I have replacement seals.
At this point I am hoping to be done. I want the medication to remain in the vial in powder form, and stored that way, because I would think it would last longer that way. When I need to use it, I'll reconstitute the drug with bacteriostatic water, or possibly only sterile water.
I'll use industry standard dosages, (eg: epinephrine 1:1000 used for anaphylaxis would be 0.3mg per 0.3ml).
I would love to autoclave the resulting vials, but some medications are heat sensitive. The drugs that aren't heat sensitive, I will autoclave after packaging, like Lidocaine.
Does anyone see any way I can improve the sterility, short of a certified safe room? Or any other suggestions? Remember I'm wanting to be able to use these prepared medications on people who are already sick, so I'm hoping to be as sterile as possible. I would assume that if all else fails, reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, and it should be good, right? Ideas?
I am totally here for advice, if you have any, please give it!
Knight.
I am a EMT, and use drugs in the back of an ambulance. I'm also a prepper/survivalist/backwoods austere medical enthusiast.
I have been able to acquire a large amount of epinephrine (I only specify drugs for the curious, I don't think it matters as to what I'm looking for in response to this thread), and diphenhydramine. At this point these are the only two drugs, though I intend to increase the drugs to a much larger variety.
I use these drugs all the time in the back of the ambulance, for allergic reactions, and cardiac arrests.
The drugs are in powder form, and as far as I can tell are as pure as I can get them, and were purchased from a biochemical company for use as research only chemicals.
My intent is to use the drugs in IV form, assuming I feel comfortable enough with the sterilization process described below.
At this point, unless anyone else has any ideas or suggestions, the plan is to:
PPE: Before starting this procedure I'll wear nitrile gloves, and a n-95 mask, possibly a HEPA mask if I feel like dropping the cash on one.
1) Clean and sterilize all equipment using a pressure cooker. I'll attach a small piece of autoclave tape to each piece of equipment including glass beakers, and stainless steel measuring spoons (only used as a spoon, not for measuring).
2) Dosing out of medications will be done with a milligram digital scale. I've purchased separate weights and confirmed it's reliability so long as the weigh material is above 5 milligrams, which I'll address by making "party vials" of the medications. Prior to dosing out medications I'll place everything in a room that has no windows, and hasn't had any fans running for at least an hour.
3) Medication in powder form will be placed in a purchased pre-sterilized vial, 10-50 ml (depending on drug). To do this first I'll break the seal, remove rubber topper, place medication inside vial, then replace rubber topper and place a new seal on the vial. I have a seal crimper for the 20mm vial necks, and I have replacement seals.
At this point I am hoping to be done. I want the medication to remain in the vial in powder form, and stored that way, because I would think it would last longer that way. When I need to use it, I'll reconstitute the drug with bacteriostatic water, or possibly only sterile water.
I'll use industry standard dosages, (eg: epinephrine 1:1000 used for anaphylaxis would be 0.3mg per 0.3ml).
I would love to autoclave the resulting vials, but some medications are heat sensitive. The drugs that aren't heat sensitive, I will autoclave after packaging, like Lidocaine.
Does anyone see any way I can improve the sterility, short of a certified safe room? Or any other suggestions? Remember I'm wanting to be able to use these prepared medications on people who are already sick, so I'm hoping to be as sterile as possible. I would assume that if all else fails, reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, and it should be good, right? Ideas?
I am totally here for advice, if you have any, please give it!
Knight.
