What checkouts are

The idea

A checkout is a structured walk-through of a drug storage location. You open the location, go through each item, confirm the quantity matches what is expected, and document anything that does not line up. When you are done, you check the location back in and it becomes part of your agency's permanent record.

When to do a checkout

Most agencies require a checkout at the start of every shift. The goal is to verify that the drugs on your unit are correct, accounted for, and not expired before you go in service. Some agencies also require a checkout at the end of a shift, especially for controlled substances.

What you are checking

During a checkout, you compare the actual quantity of each item in the location to the expected quantity set by your agency's template. If a count is short or over you flag a discrepancy; if an item is expired, damaged, or used you can flag it for replacement and swap it during the checkout.

Example

You arrive at Station 4 for your 0700 shift on Medic 12. You open Drug Tracking, begin a checkout for Medic 12's drug box, and walk through each compartment. Most items match. But you find only 1 vial of Midazolam where there should be 2. You flag Midazolam as Short, grab a replacement from the station supply, and document the swap. You check the location back in. The whole process takes about five minutes.

Why it matters

Checkouts create a chain of custody for every controlled substance on your unit. If a vial goes missing, your agency can trace exactly when it was last verified and by whom. This protects you, your partner, and your agency.