What Drugs Can Paramedics Not Prescribe?
There are some drugs paramedics cannot prescribe. Paramedics cannot prescribe unlicensed drugs. This includes drugs that do not have a UK marketing authority. However, paramedics can prescribe some off-license drugs with appropriate caution. For example, ranitidine is licensed for the treatment of reflux oesophagitis but is not approved for use in infants or children under three years.
What Drugs Can Paramedics Not Prescribe?
In Australia, paramedics can prescribe a limited number of controlled drugs. They can work independently or as supplementary prescribers. In independent prescribing, paramedics assess patients and make clinical management decisions, and prescribe medications to patients. In supplementary prescribing, paramedics partner with medical practitioners and can prescribe drugs from a pre-approved list.
Advanced paramedics in England will soon be able to prescribe medicines to patients without referring them to an EMS Supplies Online. It is estimated that seven out of ten people seen by these paramedics do not require hospital treatment. Because of this, advanced paramedics will no longer need to consult a GP before supplying medicines to patients.
As paramedics are responsible for every drug they administer, they must have a thorough knowledge of all types of medications used by patients. They must consider the patient’s history and any drug interactions that may arise. They should also be aware of non-prescription/over-the-counter drugs that the patient may be taking. In addition, paramedics need to be aware of drug reactions and synergistic effects.
