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Island paramedics can now give intravenous therapy

March 6, 2019

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MANITOULIN—Paramedics across the Manitoulin-Sudbury catchment area are now able to give their patients intravenous (IV) therapy.

Following their certification last year, paramedics have had the ability to give IVs for dehydration and for symptom relief (such as nausea, allergic reaction, or dextrose for diabetics) since early this year.

It was noted to the Manitoulin-Sudbury District Services Board at its February meeting that this capability has “big benefits” for patients, especially in rural areas.

The example of anaphylaxis was given as one problem paramedics are facing with more frequency. Now paramedics can give a drug such as Benadryl intravenously to their patients, counteracting an allergic reaction, and which reacts more quickly than taking it orally.

Article written by

Alicia McCutcheon

Alicia McCutcheon has served as editor-in-chief of The Manitoulin Expositor and The Manitoulin West Recorder since 2011. She grew up in the newspaper business and earned an Honours B.A. in communications from Laurentian University, Sudbury, also achieving a graduate certificate in journalism, with distinction, from Cambrian College. Ms. McCutcheon has received peer recognition for her writing, particularly on the social consequences of the Native residential school program. She manages a staff of four writers from her office at The Manitoulin Expositor in Little Current.