RPPEO has issued Medical Advisory MA-2026-01, “Preventing Patient-Safety Incidents Involving HYDROmorphone,” following patient-safety incidents involving medication selection and errors in calculating or preparing HYDROmorphone.

The advisory introduces safeguards to support safer medication preparation and administration. Paramedics should read the medication name and concentration directly from the vial, complete a medication cross-check before preparing and administering HYDROmorphone, and resolve any discrepancy in the medication, concentration, dose, calculated volume or route before proceeding.

Following identification of patient safety incidents regarding use of IV EPINEPHrine for anaphylaxis across the region, Dr. Richard Dionne, Regional Medical Director, has issued an important Medical Advisory for paramedics identifying the patient safety risk with using the IV route in administration of EPINEPHrine for anyone who is profusing.

Paramedics should read Medical Advisory 2022-02. If you have any questions, please contact quality@RPPEO.ca.