From Dr D. N. John, MRPharmS
SIR,—Medicines Act legislation provides that no one may administer a parenteral prescription only medicine otherwise than to himself, unless he is a practitioner or is acting in accordance with the directions of a practitioner.1
There is a list of 14 medicines for use by parenteral administration and these are exempt from this restriction when administered for the purpose of saving life in an emergency.2
Further, legislation allows persons who hold the appropriate certificate of proficiency in ambulance paramedic skills to administer certain parenteral products for the immediate, necessary treatment of sick or injured persons, otherwise than in accordance with the directions of a practitioner.
Insulins do not appear in either list and as insulins for human use are now prescription-only medicines, it is technically an offence for ambulance paramedics, and others, to administer insulin unless a practitioner has directed such individuals so to do.
Hence, in light of this anomaly, should legislation be reviewed to allow ambulance paramedics, and others, to lawfully administer insulin for the purpose of saving life in an emergency?
David John
Welsh School of Pharmacy, Cardiff