Trenton – In an effort to enable faster delivery of care for diabetic emergencies, the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senator Troy Singleton that would extend permission to Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to administer emergency glucagon and blood glucose tests.
Emergency glucagon is administered when a diabetic individual is experiencing severe hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, and cannot obtain sugar normally. They often come in the form of a nasal spray, auto-injectors, or prefilled syringes.
“EMTs are already trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of diabetic emergencies, but they are not allowed to administer the emergency care that can make a life-saving difference,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). “Extending permission to administer blood glucose tests and emergency glucagon to EMTs will enable first responders to effectively treat patients without the need to wait for advanced life support services.”
The bill, S-3278, would require the Commissioner of the Department of Health to establish a process for EMTs to obtain a certification that permits them to administer the aforementioned treatment and tests. In order to obtain certification, an EMT would be required to complete an educational course and pass an examination in the administration of blood glucose tests and emergency glucagon.
The Commissioner would be permitted to by order or regulation, modify, suspend, or terminate the certification of an EMT to administer glucagon and blood glucose tests if necessary for public health, safety, or welfare.
The bill was advanced in an 8-0 vote.
