By Ashley Harding
For KLKN-TV

Saving lives is getting a little bit easier for paramedics thanks to an innovative way to keep their medications and supplies.

The machines don’t take change and they won’t do much for your afternoon snack craving. What these vending machines hold can actually save your life.

“Instead of having medications stacked at each fire station, in each ambulance station, we’ll have all of our med’s in these machines,” said Chief Roger Bonin with LFR.

In it, you’ll find everything from defibrillator pads to heard and breathing med’s. Officials say most of these med’s are part of a nationwide shortage and by having them here, keeping track of how much the EMT’s use them is a lot easier.

Only LFR can access these supplies. If someone gets the big idea of breaking in, the bullet proof glass and high security access is something to think about. “It can alert us to the fact if people are vending more than they should. We can shut the machine off when an employee is on vacation or restrict their rights so they should have no reason to access it,” said EMS Supervisor, Scott Wiebe.

At this time, the vending machines are set up at Bryan LGH West, Fire Station Seven and St. E’s. Officials say they hope to expand.,

“I would think that people would look at this and realize that this can save money, increase their efficiency, increase their securities,” said Wiebe.

Watch the report on KLKN-TV:

News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, NE; KLKNTV.com