Hardware

Yuma Fire Department boosts EMS with medication vending machines

Photo: Adobe Stock

July 15, 2025

The Yuma Fire Department in Arizona has significantly enhanced its emergency medical services efficiency by implementing a new medication management system, essentially acting as high-tech vending machines, across all its fire stations, according to an Imperial Valley Press report.

Officially known as the UCapIt Medication and EMS Supply Dispenser, each machine is stocked with critical EMS supplies and medications, including those used for life-threatening emergencies like cardiac arrest and overdoses. The refrigerated units are Wi-Fi connected and monitored 24/7 by security cameras, ensuring accountability. Firefighters and paramedics now use biometric fingerprint scans and secure PIN codes for restocking their drug boxes; controlled substances require a two-person authentication process.

"Previously, crews had to travel to a hospital pharmacy to restock, which took up to 45 minutes," David Padilla Jr., spokesperson for the Yuma Fire Department, told the news outlet. "Now, they can restock right at the station in just a few minutes and get back in service faster."

This initiative is part of a broader departmental effort to modernize medication management, which also includes the Frontline tracking platform for accountability during shift changes.