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ANALYSIS OF HOUSE BILL 1992 Allowing a certified emergency medical technician to administer epinephrine.
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Health Care Committee February 25, 1999 Washington State House of Representatives |
SPONSORS: Representatives Ballasiotes and Schual-Berke.
BACKGROUND: Anaphylaxis is an allergic hypersensitivity reaction of the body to a foreign protein or drug. Anaphylaxis can be caused by drugs, insect stings, foods, and inhalants. A reaction may cause increased irritability, dyspnea, or cyanosis. In some cases it can result in convulsions, unconsciousness, and even death.
Epinephrine is used to treat anaphylactic reactions. Those with severe allergies that could result in an anaphylactic reaction may receive a prescription to administer a dose of epinephrine through the use of an autoinjector device. Presently, paramedics and intermediate life support technicians may administer epinephrine. Emergency medical technicians, however, may only administer epinephrine to patients who have a prescription for epinephrine for allergic reactions.
SUMMARY: This bill will do the following:
1)Allows (Emergency Medical Technicians) EMT=s to carry and administer epinephrine 1:1000 to patients exhibiting signs and symptoms of respiratory distress, if the EMT successfully completes department approved training. The training must be equal to the training provided to Intermediate Life Support Technicians for administering epinephrine.
2)The Department of Health is required to develop and approved the curriculum for this specialized training.
3)The Department of Health is allowed to establish a volunteer advisory committee to assist with the specialized training standards.
4)The Department of Health must report to the Legislature on the frequency of epinephrine use by EMT=s and the merits of the specialized training.
5)Declares an emergency for the purpose of when the bill takes effect.
SEE ATTACHMENT FOR A COMPARISON OF EMT=s AND INTERMEDIATE LIFE SUPPORT TECHNICIANS ( ILS) AND FOR THE PROS AND CONS OF EMT=s CARRYING EPINEPHRINE.