Expanding Glucagon Access and Use in the Prehospital Setting

In cases of severe hypoglycemia, an intramuscular injection of glucagon remains the preferred method of treatment.1 Unfortunately, in many states regulatory polices prevent EMT-Basics from being able to administer or carry glucagon, which makes treating such patients experiencing severe hypoglycemia with loss of consciousness far more complicated  and slower than necessary. In addition to the unavailability of glucagon, many EMTs aren’t permitted to perform blood glucose testing (i.e., fingersticks), which makes the identification and treatment of hypoglycemia even more challenging. Severe hypoglycemic events result in over 100,000 ED visits annually leading to adverse health effects, as well as contributing over $120 million per year in potentially unnecessary healthcare expenditures.2 Although many patients with diabetes and their caregivers will receive training on the use of glucagon, there are still far too many patients and families who don’t have access to glucagon at home.3 By expanding access to glucagon for prehospital providers and families, episodes of severe hypoglycemia can be more easily treated, ultimately resulting in reduced morbidity and mortality. Physiology of Hypoglycemia Severe hypoglycemia is defined as an episode in which blood sugar drops dramatically resulting in impaired consciousness limiting an individual’s ability to self-treat, and are a frequent complication of the treatment of diabetes with hypoglycemic agents such as insulin and s...
Source: JEMS Special Topics - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Exclusive Articles Patient Care Source Type: news