Ambulance paramedics are to be allowed to administer more medicines in an emergency, including morphine.
MLX 265, issued by the Medicines Control Agency on July 6, proposes that six medicines for specific purposes be added of to the list of prescription medicines that ambulance paramedics are allowed to administer. The proposed additions are: benzyl-penicillin (suspected meningococcal septicaemia); Syntometrine (postpartum haemorrhage); morphine sulphate (severe pain); metoclopramide (antiemetic); frusemide (acute pulmonary oedema due to left ventricular failure); and streptokinase (thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction).
The consultation letter says that the proposal reflects current clinical practice in emergency situations and that administration by paramedics would be advantageous to patients in circumstances where avoiding treatment delays is known to be beneficial.

Paramedic medicines

Paramedics are currently permitted to administer the following prescription medicines intended for parenteral use: Diazepam 5mg per 5ml emulsion; succinylated modified fluid gelatin 4 per cent; adrenaline acid tartrate; anhydrous glucose; compound sodium lactate infusion; ergometrine maleate; glucose; heparin sodium; lignocaine hydrochloride; nalbuphine hydrochloride; naloxone hydrochloride; polygeline; sodium bicarbonate; sodium chloride.