§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the result of his Department's review of the list of medicines that ambulance paramedics are allowed to administer on their own initiative; if he will indicate the time scale for implementing proposals arising from the review; and if he will make a statement. [145356]
§ Ms StuartOn 16 November 2000, I announced changes in the law which allowed ambulance paramedics to administer parenterally a wider range of medicines to provide emergency treatment for patients suffering heart attacks and other life-threatening conditions.
151WAmbulance paramedics are already authorised to administer a range of medicines for the immediate, necessary treatment of sick or injured persons. The new additions, such as the thrombolytic agent, Streptokinase, will enhance patient care especially where fast access to treatment can be the difference between life and death.