Abstract
The National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) believes that all levels of emergency medical services (EMS) providers should be allowed to carry and administer epinephrine for the treatment of anaphylaxis. This document is the official position of the NAEMSP.
Key words: :
The National Association of EMS Physicians believes that:
It is important for emergency medical services (EMS) providers to identify patients with anaphylaxis, and to recognize the need for prompt initiation of treatment with epinephrine.
EMS providers should be allowed to carry and administer epinephrine, in conjunction with strict medical oversight, for the treatment of anaphylaxis in the out-of-hospital setting.
Medical direction for the administration of epinephrine in anaphylaxis should be based on written protocols and quality improvement activities rather than a requirement for EMS providers to consult direct medical oversight for a verbal order.
The preferred route for administration of epinephrine in the treatment of anaphylaxis is intramuscular.
EMS agencies and EMS medical directors should have continuous quality assurance and educational programs in place to ensure that epinephrine is administered safely and to the appropriate patient population.
Further research is necessary to determine the impact out-of-hospital treatments have on anaphylactic reactions.