New drug testing policy

[hsfd138]

Hi, My department in South Carolina has just inplemented a random drug screening program without ever discussing the program with the membership.
I did not even know about it till I went and got my physical.We have no idea what the specifics of it are nor the punishment for a positive test will be. The only thing I have heard was " test positive, you are gone, NO QUESTIONS " I know that other county agencies implement counceling, rehab, and a Suspention if positive. Not let go on spot with no help! Another question. Whom in the department should get the results of this test? Any advice or comments on this would be appreciated.

[LadiesLoveaFF]

I know ours does, but I think most depts have that in one form another, whether its official or otherwise. Its partly along the lines of the community doesn't want to be protected with people on drugs, and for us its actually partly insurance/assurance. Its our tail if something happens and you're on/were on drugs.

[firefightergtp]

Only the Chief's of the department should be allowed to know the results of the test.

Here's some advise: Don't do drugs, and you wont have any problems!

[firenresq77]

Originally posted by firefightergtp
Here's some advise: Don't do drugs, and you wont have any problems!

EXACTLY!!!!

[Rigin1]

I would agree with the above.

Just curious though are you in a union? If you are they can't just drop a change on you like that. It has to be in your contract.

Rigin

[heavyduty]

I believe that if you are caught using drugs you should be gone on the spot. It is your choice whether you do them or not, besides there are lots of people like myself that dont do drugs that are willing to fill the position.

[PFire23]

If you are clean then there should be no concern, and be honest, do you want someone who is hopped up on something to be the person who is supposed to have your back?

Not to mention the fact that drugs are illegal.

[scfire86]

Originally posted by PFire23

Not to mention the fact that drugs are illegal.

Not true. It is possible to be addicted to legal drugs. Witness Rush Limbaugh.

[Rigin1]

Not let go on spot with no help!

As far as this goes. They can let you go on the spot with no help usually unless you have declared to you supervisor you have a problem before you get caught. We lost a firefighter a year or so ago for a second drunk driving conviction and our city policy states that they will send you to rehab if you have a problem but you can't use it for a get out of jail (or save your job) card. You must go to your supervisor and get help before you get arrested or injure yourslef on the job..or someone else.

Whom in the department should get the results of this test?

This should be your chief officer but he can only be told you tested positive for a bannned substance and then you should be given the oppurtunity for a second independent test.

Rigin

P.S. I am not an advocate of drug use just answering your question. I am all for people who do anything illegal getting canned and publicly flogged. Also like I stated before if you are union they can't do anything unless it states in your contract that they can.

[hsfd138]

Thanks for all the help and advice. I do dissagree with the test positive and your gone policy because there is a big difference between someone hooked on crack and someone that got addicted to painkillers after an injury. Plus I knew I would get some of the "if you dont do drugs dont worry about it" answers but that is not a very responsible way to look at it.I beleive that one persons problem is everyones problem because we are all in this world together.thats why I was seeking advice from people that may have already been through this and could give me a heads up.

P.S. What about when I get a tylenol 3 from my brother when I have an extreme headache and get tested the next day and show positive?
I have no prescription?

Thanks again for all the advice......

[Steamer]

I do dissagree with the test positive and your gone policy because there is a big difference between someone hooked on crack and someone that got addicted to painkillers after an injury.

In the practical sense of the issue, hooked isn't the real concern. It's the question surrounding impaired or even potential impairment based on the discovery of illicit use or abuse of drugs, and the legalities of how you procured the drugs that you are using.

In my city, all tests are reviewed by a Medical Review Officer (MRO), who is a physician. If you have a prescription for a drug that you test positive for, the results will come back to us as negative. No prescription, it's a positive test. Hooked or not, if you have a prescription for the drug, it's negative.

The policy here is that if you report an addiction voluntarily, you'll receive treatment. If the abuse of a drug is found because of an injury or probable cause exam, you're gone.

P.S. What about when I get a tylenol 3 from my brother when I have an extreme headache and get tested the next day and show positive?
I have no prescription?

Around here if you have no Prescription, you're toast. If you're positive for a prescription drug that you have no prescription for, it's illegal.

[firenresq77]

Originally posted by hsfd138
Plus I knew I would get some of the "if you dont do drugs dont worry about it" answers but that is not a very responsible way to look at it.

Wrong........ The responsible thing to do would be to not do drugs. If you don't have a script, and it's not over the counter, don't take it. If you need it, go to the doctor. If your doctor won't give it to you, there's probably a reason. If you have a problem, seek help. THAT is the responsible thing to do. If you don't, it's your own fault. You are putting yourself and your co-workers in jeopardy..........

I've seen it happen........ We had a member get hooked on prescription meds. His doctor didn't help. He said he was in pain, so the Dr. gave him pain meds. He got hooked. He ended up stealing from the FD and the members so he could buy drugs because of his addiction. He was fired. Sad, but if he sought help, he could have corrected the problem........