P REHOSPITAL A DMINISTRATION OF M ORPHINE FOR I SOLATED E XTREMITY I NJURIES : A C HANGE IN P ROTOCOL R EDUCES T IME TO M EDICATION

Abstract

A change in protocol that permits trained paramedics to administer morphine without physician approval reduces time to analgesia administration without influencing the amount of morphine delivered per patient or the rate of prehospital morphine use. Further study should measure the effect on base hospital physician interruptions and patient outcome.