Possible Changes to Scope of Practice

[ffemt8978]

I received this from the National Association of EMT's today. Has anyone else heard of it? It sounds like they're pushing to let EMT's push some drugs (Epi, nebulizers, and narcan), which may not be a bad thing.

I know some of you are already aware of this, but for those who may not
be...

The National EMS Scope of Practice Committee has adopted a model that
proposes 4 levels of EMS providers:

Emergency Care Responder (essentially the same as First Responder with
AED capabilities)

Emergency Medical Technician (essentially the same as the current EMT
except with AED and some drugs [Epi-Pen®, glucagon, nebulized
bronchodiators, naloxone] and similar things.

Paramedic (slightly below the current level of paramedic [based on
demands of big city fire departments who run ALS]--basically designed
to
handle the first 10 minute of most medical emergencies. Comparable to a
1999 Curriculum EMT-Intermediate, with additional skills.

Advanced Practice Paramedic: An academically prepared provider, with
the
comprehensive background necessary to assess, refer and make
disposition
of patients and who would integrate into the healthcare system. EMS
degree required.

This is the second stage of the EMS Agenda for the future and probably
the way provider levels will go in the next few years. They will be
taking comments on their web site:

See the draft document at http://www.emsscopeofpractice.org

The feedback link is also at the website.

 

[SafetyPro2]

Sounds good to me. I assume they mean having us carry EpiPens, rather than just assisting with prescribed ones.

I'm interested to see how the Paramedic scope is going to change with the new differentiation between Paramedic and Advanced Practice Paramedic.

 

[rescuecpt]

Oooh, naloxone for EMTs - cool, but how will it be administered?

 

[ffemt8978]

I took a look through the whole document, and it doesn't state anywhere that EMT's will be allowed to administer naloxone.

If they did, you're right RescueLt, administering it would be a problem unless you can give it IM like an Epi-Pen.

 

[MMiz]

That's neat. I'm all for additional training and scope of practice. It always amazes me how far EMS in general has come in only the post 30 years or so.