Medication mishaps. Avoiding inappropriate use of prehospital meds.

Although we believe in the usefulness and effectiveness of certain medications used in prehospital care, there actually have been few studies conducted that prove the efficacy of medications in this environment. Use of prehospital medications should be carefully considered by EMS providers. Medications should be used when the diagnosis or cause of symptoms is clear, the medication is clearly effective in treating them, the side effects or complications are minimal, and the transport time is sufficient to allow the medication to take effect.