News Summary
In Rhode Island, an EMT has been suspended after allegations surfaced that he stole medication from a patient. Stephen Anthony Buono is under investigation for taking Mounjaro injections while on duty at a medical facility. The state’s Department of Health is acting to ensure public safety. Meanwhile, a major winter storm is expected to hit Rhode Island this weekend, with accumulations of snow prompting travel advisories. Residents are urged to prepare as state temperatures drop and winter conditions develop.
Providence, Rhode Island – An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Rhode Island has been suspended after allegations emerged that he stole medication belonging to a patient. Stephen Anthony Buono, licensed as an EMT-Cardiac and ERS-Endotracheal, is under investigation for taking two 7.5 mg Mounjaro injections while working at a medical respite facility. The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) deemed the enforcement action necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare. Buono’s suspension will remain in effect “until further order,” according to the department.
The RIDOH Director of Health, Jerome Larkin, underscored the importance of maintaining the integrity of emergency medical services. The theft of medications, especially those utilized for managing serious health conditions, poses a significant risk to both patients and the broader healthcare system. Public trust is critical in medical professions, and any breach, especially involving luxury medications such as Mounjaro, can have far-reaching implications.
In a separate development, the weather forecast for the region indicates potentially disruptive winter conditions ahead. A significant winter storm is expected to impact Rhode Island this weekend, with the National Weather Service predicting 5 to 8 inches of snow from Saturday night into Sunday afternoon. A winter storm watch has been issued, covering all of Rhode Island, with the exception of Block Island. Portions of northern Connecticut and eastern Massachusetts are also included in this alert.
Residents are advised to prepare for difficult travel conditions resulting from the impending storm, and they are urged to stay updated with the latest forecasts as the situation develops. Snow is also anticipated in Rhode Island on an upcoming Thursday, but minimal accumulation is expected. The latest weather models indicate that while a coastal storm is being monitored, it will likely pass far enough out to sea to have little effect on the state.
As of now, the city of Providence has only accumulated 8.1 inches of snow this season, which is considerably below the average snowfall for this time of year. Typically, Providence would have recorded about 20.4 inches of snow by mid-January. The highest snowfall in a single day this season was two inches, noted on January 19. If the upcoming storm meets expectations and deposits at least 5 inches of snow, it would yield a significant increase in seasonal totals.
Cold temperatures are set to persist over the next few days, with the forecast predicting a high temperature near 29°F and potentially dropping to around 11°F at night. Residents are urged to prepare for the cold while also remaining alert for any updates regarding the winter storm, as changing weather patterns can rapidly alter conditions.
In conclusion, as Rhode Island grapples with both the implications of a medical professional’s alleged theft and the prospect of a significant winter storm, it is a reminder of the importance of vigilance in both healthcare and public safety. As the community navigates these challenges, officials are committed to ensuring that health standards are upheld and that residents remain informed regarding the weather’s impact on daily life.
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Additional Resources
- Patch: Thunderstorms & Rain on Horizon for RI Weekend Weather
- Weather.com: 10-Day Weather Forecast for Providence, RI
- Providence Journal: Coastal Snow Storm Likely to Pass Out to Sea
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rhode Island Weather
- Google News: Rhode Island Weather
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
