Pharmacology
Assisting Patients With Prescribed Medications
When EMT-Basics may help patients self-administer prescribed or protocol-authorized medications versus when to withhold and transport.
Assist versus administer
EMT-Basic scope often permits assisting with patient-owned bronchodilators, epinephrine auto-injectors, and nitroglycerin when the patient cannot physically deliver the dose but requests help and protocol criteria are met. The FDA emphasizes using medications only as directed—EMS assistance must stay within the patient’s prescribed intent, not independent prescribing.1
Assist means handing the device, helping position, or triggering an auto-injector after confirming identity and indication. Administering from the ambulance stock without standing orders is ALS or medical-direction territory in most states. If the patient is unconscious, assist with their own epinephrine may still be appropriate for anaphylaxis when product is available.
When to withhold and transport
MedlinePlus advises patients to know why each medicine is taken and to report side effects—EMS extends that vigilance when patients are confused or hypotensive.2 Withhold nitroglycerin when systolic pressure is below protocol threshold, when phosphodiesterase inhibitor use is reported, or when right ventricular infarction is suspected. Withhold bronchodilator assist when the patient has no history of prescribed inhaler use unless protocol authorizes emergency bronchodilator administration from supply.
After assist, reassess vitals and symptoms. Document drug name, dose, route, time, and patient response. Multiple doses follow protocol intervals—not patient demand alone. Transport remains indicated when distress persists after appropriate assisted doses.
Practice this skill
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