Medication Checks and Verifications

Medication safety is very important and there are some key safety steps that should be undertaken prior to the administration of any medication to a patient. While you mention best practices, there is not currently a rigid process developed for paramedics for safe medication administration. However, there are a couple of tools out there to better assist. One of the most well-known medication checks across paramedicine are the Rights (Right Patient, Right Medication, Right Time, Right Dose, Right Route, Right Documentation, etc.). Another method is the independent double check where two individuals separately check (alone and apart from each other, then compare results) the medication before administration to a patient. While both are useful tools, ensuring that they are used every time medication is prepared and given to a patient is key. Performing these checks adds another layer of protection so that harm does not reach the patient. These methods are not without fault and can come with additional challenges, especially in paramedicine. For example, paramedics are sometimes unable to check medications for their partners (ie: alone in the back of the ambulance or as a single responder).

Additional to these tools often taught at the college level, hard-copy reference material (application on your phone, laminated sheet in the ambulance/bag, booklet, etc.) can also be of great help. The most commonly used methods of medication checks rely on the mind and memory, the very things that in turn produce the error we are trying to prevent.

Speaking directly to your question about having both partners calculate separately the dose of the medication and then compare, if this is possible during your call then you are providing a high level of medication safety to your patient, which is great. However, we also understand that this is not always realistic or possible. In these instances, we still recommend to double check the medication with each other and even refer to the OPCG app to check dosing if needed.

In conclusion, if you have a system that is working with your partner, then that is great. However, if you do encounter situations where this type of double check and calculation cannot be done, we also understand that. Patient safety is key, and the tools you choose to use to ensure that above all else is at your discretion; use what works for you and your partner. Communication and consistency are key!