Clinical Pharmacy in Motion: Ride-Alongs and Research in EMS
Hennepin EMS in Minnesota took a significant step forward in early 2023 by introducing a dedicated clinical pharmacist consulting role to its operations. This groundbreaking initiative formalizes the integration of clinical pharmacy expertise into prehospital care to address widespread challenges such as drug shortages, innovative medication usage, and stronger collaboration between paramedics and pharmacists.The clinical pharmacist acts as a bridge between hospital and field operations, ensuring prehospital teams have the support they need to improve patient outcomes. A critical part of the pharmacist’s responsibilities includes hands-on engagement. From participating in ambulance ride-alongs to hosting open-door consultations, this role prioritizes practical and actionable solutions. At the heart of this initiative is Holly Drone, PharmD, Hennepin EMS’s clinical pharmacist. Not only has Holly been integral to placing this program into action, but she’s also contributing to the field through her research. Her studies focus on essential topics such as Sodium Nitrate Overdose management, the initiation of Buprenorphine in prehospital settings, and the use of Oral Risperidone by EMS providers in the field.Book announcement: Bram Duffee is a co-author of the latest book about how hypnosis has the potential to revolutionize medical care for those struggling with emergency / acute distress. Hypnotic Communication in Emergency Medical Settings: For Life-Saving and Therapeutic Outcomes demonstrates how hypnotic communication has the potential to improve patient outcomes in emergency care, integrating insights on the connection between mind and body for paramedics and other first responders. https://routledge.pub/Hypnotic-Communication-in-Emergency-Medical-SettingsTake part in research: If you are a first responder who lives in the United States and would be open to an interview for a research study please connect with Bram Duffee by going to the website https://bduffee0.wixsite.com/ems-conflict/applicationStay up to date: Review the most recent research in EMS through the monthly article reviews put out by the International PreHospital Medicine Institute https://iphmi.com/ems-articles-of-the-monthConnections: If you want to connect with the EMS Research Podcast staff check out our website at www.ProfessorBram.comIf you enjoyed this episode please consider subscribing to EMS Research on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@4emsresearch?sub_confirmation=1ReferencesGarcia-Galindo, C. A., Pepin, L. C., Olives, T. D., Cole, J. B., Drone, H. M., Jones, G. A., … Robinson, A. E. (2024). Massive Sodium Nitrite Overdose: A Case for Prehospital Methylene Blue. Prehospital Emergency Care, 28(7), 970–974. https://doi.org/10.1080/10903127.2024.2357597Simpson, N. S., Kummer, T. M., Drone, H. M., Perlmutter, M. C., Schin, A. M., Cole, J. B., … Robinson, A. E. (2024). Feasibility and Safety of a Paramedic-Directed Prehospital Buprenorphine Initiation Protocol for Acute Opioid Withdrawal. Prehospital Emergency Care, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/10903127.2024.2422897Simpson, N. S., Schin, A. M., Perlmutter, M. C., Bunting, A. J., Jones, G. A., Drone, H. M., … Robinson, A. E. (2024). Feasibility and Safety of Oral Risperidone to Treat Prehospital Agitation. Prehospital Emergency Care, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1080/10903127.2024.2361133