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A new type of emergency pain relief has been introduced by the Welsh Ambulance Service.
Methoxyflurane, or Penthrox, is a fast-acting drug used to reduce pain in patients with a traumatic injuries such as a fracture, dislocation, severe cuts or burns.
The drug, which is inhaled by the patient, can be administered by paramedics, emergency medical technicians and urgent care assistants.
Paula Jeffery, consultant paramedic for the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “We are committed to delivering the very best care to patients, and Penthrox is another tool in our drug box to do this.
“The nature of trauma means that patients can present in extreme pain, so rapid and effective pain relief is an important part of making them more comfortable.
“Penthrox is also self-administered by patients, under supervision, which enables the crew to focus on delivering treatment and taking patients promptly to hospital.”
Ambulance crews have already been trained on how to administer penthrox, which started being rolled out earlier this month.
Volunteer community first responders are also being trained and are expecting to be able to administer it from next week, the Welsh Ambulance Service has said.
What are community first responders?
Community First Responders are volunteers who attend 999 calls in their community and administer first aid in the precious first minutes before an ambulance arrives.
They are trained by the Welsh Ambulance Service to deliver CPR and defibrillation at cardiac arrests, as well as first aid and other skills at a broader range of medical emergencies.
Andy Swinburn, Director of Paramedicine at the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “Community first responders in particular – who are often at scene with patients for some time before an ambulance arrives, such are the pressures on the service – have been asking for a long time for the ability to administer pain relief, and now they can.”
Lee Brooks, who is executive director of operations at the trust, said: “Having observed volunteers first-hand, it was an ambition to increase effective treatments that could be safely administered via a community first responder.
“I am optimistic that patients will be better supported now this is an option for our people.”
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