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More people can give life saving medicines

MinisterVaradkar has signed a new law to allow trained members of the public to administer life saving rescue medicines.  Pharmacists have also been given legal permission to administer more vaccines.

Minister for Health Leo Varadkar has signed new laws allowing life-saving rescue medicines to be administered by trained members of the public in emergency situations including:

  • glucagon for diabetic hypoglycaemia
  • adrenaline auto injectors (epipens,anapen, jext, emerade etc)
  • for severe allergic reactions and glyceryl trinitrate for angina (severe chest pain).

The Minister has also expanded the range of vaccines which can be administered by pharmacists.

Both measures have been provided through a Statutory Instrument.

Between 2007 and 2013, 16,722 people died in Ireland after suffering a heart attack from multiple causes, 359 died following an acute asthma attack, 17 from hypoglycaemia, and 4 from severe allergic shock.

Minister Varadkar said:

These are important new healthcare initiatives which have the potential to save lives. I am allowing organisations such as colleges, workplaces and sports venues to hold emergency ‘rescue’ medicines and arrange for staff to be trained in their use. Pharmacists will also be able to supply and administer these medicines to individuals in emergency circumstances.

For more information please see Dept of Health news website

 

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