Affiliation:
1. Paramedic Lecturer, Canterbury Christ Church University
Abstract
The introduction of specialist services within the hospital network has increased conveyance times for many patients, as paramedics look to deliver them to the most appropriate hospital first time. Patients with potentially life-threatening arrhythmias can decompensate quickly, increasing the need for pharmacological management of these conditions en route. Amiodarone is carried as part of the existing paramedic formulary and is used to terminate paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), resistant to cardioversion, in the hospital. With appropriate training and education, paramedics could safely deliver amiodarone to this sub-group of cardiac patients, while en route to hospital for definitive treatment.