Emergency Medical Services
Legislation has been introduced in New York (A 6416) that would require all ambulances in the state to be equipped with epinephrine auto-injectors.
Epinephrine and Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
New Policy Approved in New York State!
Beginning in May of this year, all ambulances in New York State will be required to carry epinephrine (along with defibrillators), in accordance with a new policy issued by the state’s Bureau of EMS.
Previously, only advanced life-support (ALS) ambulances were required to carry the life-saving medication. Although some basic life support (BLS) ambulances have carried epinephrine on a voluntary basis, others have not. ALS ambulances are equipped with vials of epinephrine. BLS ambulances can meet the new requirement by stocking adult and pediatric auto-injectors.
To see the full policy statement, click here.
FAAN would like to thank the Food Allergy Initiative (FAI), along with state lawmakers and Bureau of EMS personnel who helped create this change in policy.
EMTs and Epinephrine
One of FAAN’s ongoing initiatives is to help ensure that all ambulances are equipped with epinephrine and that all levels of emergency medical technicians (EMTs, or 911 personnel) are fully authorized to administer the medication during an anaphylactic emergency. Although we’ve made considerable progress since the late 1990s, there is still much work to be done.
States generally have three types of EMTs: Basics, Intermediates, and Paramedics. Basics are usually the most numerous, yet their scope of practice is more limited than that of an Intermediate or Paramedic.
Depending on where you live, EMT-Basics may not have access to epinephrine and/or may not be able to administer the medication in the field. Instead, Basics may be allowed only to “assist” in administering a person’s own prescribed epinephrine device.
Such a policy overlooks the possibility that an individual’s prescribed epinephrine may be unavailable at the time of a reaction. In such a situation, EMT-Basics responding to an anaphylactic emergency would be forced to transport the individual to the nearest hospital or call for EMT-Paramedic or EMT-Intermediate backup. Either scenario delays treatment and could result in tragedy.
To complicate the matter is the possibility that only certain ambulances may be required to have epinephrine on board. In most states, there are two types of ambulances: Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS). ALS vehicles are generally staffed by Paramedics and equipped with epinephrine in ampoule/syringe form and/or auto-injectors. Whether or not BLS vehicles are equipped with epinephrine is often left to the discretion of local Medical Directors and/or local EMS entities.
FAAN encourages people to visit their local ambulance provider and learn about the EMT/epinephrine coverage in your area. Good questions to ask include: 1) What types of EMTs respond to a 911 call? 2) What types of EMTs can administer epinephrine, and in what form? 3) Are all ambulances equipped with epinephrine, and in what form?
Report what you find out by sending an email to cweiss@foodallergy.org
Connect With Us