Abstract: An automated medication dispensing unit for a medical response vehicle (MRV) is provided. The unit includes a base medication dispensing unit for containing medication; a portable medication dispensing unit removeably secured to the base medication unit and containing an initial supply of medication; and a controller electronically coupled to the base medication unit and the portable medication dispensing unit which controls access to the respective base medication dispensing unit and the portable medication dispensing unit. In addition, the controller is configured for inventory management of the base medication dispensing unit and the portable medication dispensing unit. The controller may be an electronic mobile device. A method for dispensing medication from an MRV and a system for dispensing, restocking, and reordering medication are also provided.

Abstract: A fluid container, such as an intravenous (IV) bag, including a fluid sensor for analyzing, identifying, and verifying a fluid is provided. The container includes an at least partially enclosed body defining an interior volume and one or more ports having an opening for accessing a fluid in the interior. A sensor device may be attachable to one of the ports. The sensor device includes a sensor for measuring a parameter of the fluid. A channel may extend between the port and the sensor for providing fluid from the interior volume of the body to the sensor. The sensor may be connected to a processing apparatus, such as a computer, for determining at least the type of fluid present based on the measured parameter obtained with the sensor. A method for analyzing, identifying, and verifying a fluid contained in a fluid container, such as an IV bag, is also provided.

Abstract: A fluid container, such as an intravenous (IV) bag, including a fluid sensor for analyzing, identifying, and verifying a fluid is provided. The container includes an at least partially enclosed body defining an interior volume and one or more ports having an opening for accessing a fluid in the interior. A sensor device may be attachable to one of the ports. The sensor device includes a sensor for measuring a parameter of the fluid. A channel may extend between the port and the sensor for providing fluid from the interior volume of the body to the sensor. The sensor may be connected to a processing apparatus, such as a computer, for determining at least the type of fluid present based on the measured parameter obtained with the sensor. A method for analyzing, identifying, and verifying a fluid contained in a fluid container, such as an IV bag, is also provided.

Abstract: An automated medication dispensing unit for a medical response vehicle (MRV) is provided. The unit includes a base medication dispensing unit for containing medication; a portable medication dispensing unit removeably secured to the base medication unit and containing an initial supply of medication; and a controller electronically coupled to the base medication unit and the portable medication dispensing unit which controls access to the respective base medication dispensing unit and the portable medication dispensing unit. In addition, the controller is configured for inventory management of the base medication dispensing unit and the portable medication dispensing unit. The controller may be an electronic mobile device. A method for dispensing medication from an MRV and a system for dispensing, restocking, and reordering medication are also provided.