New guidelines could let ambulance service personnel help more people during emergencies

Nine-year-old Bailey is always accompanied by a bag containing clearly labeled prescription medications and detailed instructions on how to administer them.

She has an adrenal insufficiency, a disorder that makes even minor childhood ailments – like vomiting or an ear infection – life-threatening, her mom, Deann Johnson, told the House Health and Human Services Policy Committee last month.

But she could die with a life-saving treatment within reach because emergency responders are not necessarily authorized to give her the medication she needs, Johnson said.

Rep. Jeff Brand

HF85, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Brand (DFL-St. Peter), would direct the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board to propose guidelines authorizing EMTs, AEMTs, and paramedics to administer medications carried by the patient and needed to treat rare, life-threatening conditions during an emergency.

It was approved by the House 126-0 Monday and now goes to the Senate, where Sen. Nick Frentz (DFL-North Mankato) is the sponsor.

“Although these guidelines are available, broadly, through the state now, this proposal would work to assure all EMS services have the same guidelines and services across the state,” Brand said.

The work is to be done within the limits of available appropriations and within the scope of current training practices.

Guidelines and any additional legislation necessary for their use would be due to the Legislature by Jan. 1, 2020.

Bailey and her family have taken all kinds of precautions to protect her – ranging from a medical bracelet and letters on file with the local emergency room to labeled cabinets of medication at Bailey’s home, school, and family members’ places of work. But even a 30-minute delay in treatment could have “catastrophic results,” Johnson said.

“In any instance, anywhere in the state of Minnesota, if her dad or I were unable to help Bailey, no one might be able to help Bailey,” but this legislation could give her, and people like her, a fighting chance at survival, she said.