Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Health
Emergency Medical Services Systems - Room 1033
P.O. Box 90
Harrisburg, PA 17108
(717) 787-8740

February 23, 1994

Keith Conover, M.D.
36 Robinhood Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15220-3014

Dear Doctor Conover:

REPLY TO: 94-SGD-038

I am in receipt of a copy of your memorandum regarding a Personal Wilderness Medical Kit. The Division has had a few inquiries regarding this correspondence.

The Emergency Medical Services Act (Act 45) and the rules and regulations promulgated for Act 45 identify the scope of practice for an emergency medical technician (EMT) and paramedic. It appears from your memorandum that the Wilderness EMT goes beyond the scope of practice for the EMT. The Department has not approved any such changes, nor have we approved any general protocols or standing orders for an EMT or paramedic, nor has the Department approved the use of individual kits which would provide for individuals to carry drugs.

I suggest you contact the Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and Drug Control, Strawberry Square, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, as it appears that your intentions for distribution of some of the drugs are not within acceptable guidelines. Substance 11 drugs must be patient specific; drugs cannot be carried on an individual unless it is his/her personal prescriptions.

It is my contention that none of the providers who function as a Wilderness EMT would be provided liability coverage under the provisions of Act 45.

I suggest that you interface with the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council with your program and recommendations for its consideration. This council would, if it deems appropriate, make recommendations to the Department for revision to the scope of practice for EMT's and paramedics in the rules and regulations, etc.

I strongly urge any Wilderness personnel not to exceed their existing scope of practice, nor to violate the controlled drug act.

Kum Ham, Ph.D., Director
Division of Emergency Medical Services Systems

KSH:SGD:abm

cc: Mr. Richard Flinn
     Mr. Robert Long
     Regional EMS Councils

Designed by a member of