Under EMS protocol, who must authorize a medication administration by an EMT?

Under EMS protocol, who must authorize a medication administration by an EMT?

• A. Medical direction approval
• B. The patient
• C. The nurse
• D. The police

Answer: (A)

Medication administration by an EMT is only allowed under medical direction. The medical director creates the protocols and can issue online orders (via physician direction by radio/phone) or authorize standing/offline orders that EMTs follow. This ensures meds are given safely, with proper indications, doses, and contraindications. The patient’s consent matters for treatment but does not authorize medication administration, and nurses or police do not authorize EMS medications.

Medication administration by an EMT is only allowed under medical direction. The medical director creates the protocols and can issue online orders (via physician direction by radio/phone) or authorize standing/offline orders that EMTs follow. This ensures meds are given safely, with proper indications, doses, and contraindications. The patient’s consent matters for treatment but does not authorize medication administration, and nurses or police do not authorize EMS medications.