Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if qualified paramedics are covered to administer cardiac and other life-saving drugs while on duty with the ambulance service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29568/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council is responsible for the development of professional and performance standards for the ambulance services and for the accreditation of institutions providing training for ambulance personnel.

The Council maintains a register of pre-hospital emergency care practitioners, divided into Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Paramedic and Advanced Paramedic levels. The Medicinal Products (Prescription & Control of Supply) Amendment Regulations, 2005, authorises those on the Register to administer certain medications listed in schedules appropriate to each division. Administration of medications is in accordance with Clinical Practice Guidelines approved by the Council or on the instruction of a registered medical practitioner.

The administration of medications by EMTs, Paramedics and Advanced Paramedics is indemnified under the clinical indemnity scheme operated by the State Claims Agency.