Medical Directors Approve New Drugs
By Jim Chandler
[originally posted 1/01]
During the annual joint meeting of the Tidewater and Peninsulas EMS Council Medical Directors Committees, three new medications were approved for addition to the EMS protocols. With much work to be done, implementation of revised protocols is expected on May 1.
On December 6, the medical directors met at Sentara Leigh Hospital to hammer out the annual drug changes. For some twelve years, the two regions have approved consistent drug lists and similar protocols. Prior to the meeting, a bi-regional workgroup met to discuss a preliminary list of drugs to consider and conducted research on the EMS use of the drugs, their costs and overall effectiveness.
The new drugs approved for use are Amiodarone, for cardiac emergencies, Atrovent, for respiratory emergencies, and Glucagon, for diabetic and certain other medical emergencies. The adoption of Amiodarone was driven by its new role in ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia as identified in new American Heart Association guidelines. Another drug found in new Heart Association guidelines as an alternate to epinephrine, Vasopressin, was discussed but not approved for regional EMS use during this annual process. The EMS use of nitroglycerin paste was also discussed but not approved. The committee also agreed to remove Bretylium from the drug box.
Between now and May 1, the EMS council’s committees will revise the adult and pediatric protocols, develop educational update programs, revise the drug box layout, set a timetable for drug box updates, print revisions to the protocol manual and notify all parties of the changes and implementation date. EMS providers should begin to see region wide education on the revised protocols and new medications during April. Revisions should also be available on the TEMS website in April.
Between now and May 1, the EMS council’s committees will revise the adult and pediatric protocols, develop educational update programs, revise the drug box layout, set a timetable for drug box updates, print revisions to the protocol manual and notify all parties of the changes and implementation date. EMS providers should begin to see region wide education on the revised protocols and new medications during April. Revisions should also be available on the TEMS website in April.