Direct First Aid Ltd
Training and Event Specialists
Chief Ambulance Director Directive
For circulation and implementation
Non Prescription Administration Policy
Subject Details:
Attached are the company’s current administration policies for non prescription items commonly used
in first aid situations. Staff should read and digest each policy before administering any non
prescription item, paying particular attention to any contraindications and the appropriate dosage to
administer.
If any staff have concerns or are unable to understand any information provided they must seek
guidance from the Chief Ambulance Director before administering any item.
The following policies are under constant review and are in line with current clinical guidelines at the
time of publication, any changes to policy or protocol regarding the administration of non prescription
drugs will be notified.
Copy Write © 2013 Direct First Aid Ltd
ASPIRIN
ACTION
Aspirin has an anti-platelet action which helps to reduce the formation of blood clots, it also has
analgesic (pain reducing), antipyretic (temperature reducing) and anti-inflammatory (reduces the
severity of inflammation) properties.
CAN BE ADMINISTERED BY
QCF Level 3 First Aiders/Medics/First Responders/EMT/Paramedics
INDICATIONS
Aspirin should be given to adults experiencing chest pain, which is suggestive of being cardiac in
origin. When used for first aid, aspirin should only be given for its anti-platelet properties. There are
more effective pain and temperature reducing medications that have fewer side effects than aspirin to
warrant its use as an analgesic, antipyretic or anti-inflammatory treatment.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
The following patients SHOULD NOT receive aspirin:
 Patients who have an allergy or sensitivity to aspirin or other Non Steroidal Anti- Inflammatory
Drugs (NSAIDs) e.g. ibuprofen
 Children under 16 years
 Patients with a diagnosis of Haemophilia or other blood clotting disorders
CAUTIONS
Patients with the conditions listed below should only receive aspirin following discussion and
agreement with an appropriate healthcare professional.
As adverse side effects are more likely in these patients, aspirin should be administered in the
presence of a member adequately equipped and capable of managing any potential consequences.

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Asthma
Pregnancy
Kidney or liver failure
Gastric or duodenal ulcer
Patients who are currently being treated with anti-coagulant medication e.g. warfarin, heparin
SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects are generally mild and infrequent however, it is good practice to inform the patient of the
side effects listed below, which may occur after aspirin has been administered.



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
Cont/d
Gastric irritation
Gastric bleeding
Increased bleeding time (it takes longer for blood to form blood clots)
Wheezing in some asthmatics
Skin reactions or rashes
ASPIRIN
PRESENTATION
300 mg aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) in dispersible tablet form
The dispersible form of aspirin is preferred due to its rapid onset of action; however non dispersible
tablets are acceptable.
Enteric coated (e/c) preparations are available and may help to reduce gastric irritation but have the
disadvantage of being slower in their onset of action.
DOSE AND ADMINISTRATION
The dose for adults with apparent, suspected or possible myocardial infarction / Heart Attack:
1 x 300 mg (dispersible) tablet, chewed or dissolved in water, taken by mouth
If a diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction is suspected, 300 mg of aspirin should be given regardless of
any previous aspirin taken that day by the patient.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1. Guidance on using aspirin for cardiac chest pain:
Symptoms suggestive of chest pain that is cardiac in origin are:


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Pain that is felt over the front and (often localised to) the centre of the chest
The pain is described as being ‘crushing’, ‘tight’ , ‘squeezing’ or ‘heavy’ in nature
The pain is not made worse or better by inspiration or expiration
There is associated arm (one or both), jaw or neck pain
The patient may also feel nauseated and/or anxious
The patient may have cold and clammy skin or may be perspiring.
Any casualty who has been given aspirin for cardiac chest pain warrants immediate
transfer/transport to the nearest Accident and Emergency Department.
Oxygen (if available) should be given to all patients who are experiencing chest pain.
2. Reye’s syndrome:
Aspirin is contraindicated in children under the age of 16 years as it may precipitate Reye’s syndrome.
Young children are the most likely group to develop this very rare syndrome, which causes damage to
the liver and brain and has a mortality rate of 50%.
GLUCOGEL
ACTION
GlucoGel (previously known as ‘Hypostop’) provides rapid absorption of glucose through the oral
mucosa (inside of the mouth) and effectively increases blood glucose levels.
CAN BE ADMINISTERED BY
QCF Level 3 First Aiders/Medics/First Responders/EMT/Paramedics
INDICATIONS
It is appropriate to administer GlucoGel to patients with known or suspected hypoglycaemia (low
blood sugar) who have a sufficient level of consciousness for there to be no risk of choking or
aspiration.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
GlucoGel should not be administered to patients with reduced level of consciousness due to the risk
of choking or aspiration.
SIDE EFFECTS
No significant side effects have been reported.
PRESENTATION
One box of GlucoGel contains three single dose plastic tubes of 40% glucose gel (each containing
23g of glucose)
DOSE AND ADMINISTRATION
GlucoGel should be smeared onto the gums (topical route) for the most rapid absorption, although
often the patient will also swallow some of the product.
There is no specific quantity of GlucoGel to administer as this depends on the amount needed to
correct the individual’s hypoglycaemia.
Further doses of GlucoGel may be repeated as necessary in the hypoglycaemic patient although a
failure to achieve effective results should prompt the use of glucagon or glucose 10% (by an
appropriately qualified healthcare professional) as an alternative and alert the Member to the
possibility of an incorrect initial diagnosis.
Repeat doses of GlucoGel should never delay assessment and treatment from a healthcare
professional or emergency transfer of the patient to the nearest Accident and Emergency department.
PARACETAMOL
ACTION
Paracetamol has analgesic (pain relieving) and antipyretic (temperature reducing) effects.
CAN BE ADMINISTERED BY
QCF Level 3 First Aiders/Medics/First Responders/EMT/Paramedics
INDICATIONS
Paracetamol may be used to relieve mild to moderate pain and / or a high temperature / fever.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS
Paracetamol should not be used:
 If the patient has a known allergy to paracetamol containing products.
 If a product containing paracetamol has been taken by the patient within the last four hours.
 If the maximum daily dose of paracetamol has already been taken by the patient.
 If the patient has an accompanying head injury.
 If alcohol has been taken by the patient during the last 4 hours.
 If there is reason to believe that the patient may have taken an illegal substance.
CAUTIONS
When the patient has contra-indications to the use of paracetamol or the first aider has any doubts or
unease, further advice must be sought from a healthcare professional on duty.
SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects following the administration of paracetamol are extremely rare.
PRESENTATION
Paracetamol in solid form (500mg or 1g), can be obtained without a prescription and should be stored
in original blister packs. The liquid form, as a solution or suspension containing paracetamol (120mg
in 5ml or paracetamol 250mg in 5ml), should be stored in child-proof screw topped bottles. Both forms
should bear the manufacturer's name, the batch number and expiry date.
DOSE AND ADMINISTRATION
Paracetamol must NOT be provided for use by a third party and the patient to whom it is given must
be seen to take it.
Cont/d
PARACETAMOL
INFANTS AND CHILDREN
Consent from the parent or the person with legal responsibility for the child must be obtained.
Paracetamol is given as a single dose using an oral syringe or measuring spoon (1 teaspoon is
equivalent to 5ml)
 3 MONTHS TO 1 YEAR
120mg or 125mg (depending on the concentration)
Repeat at not less than 4 hour intervals
Maximum dose in 24 hours: 500mg (4 doses)
 1 TO 5 YEARS
240mg or 250mg (depending on the concentration)
Repeat at not less than 4 hour intervals
Maximum dose in 24 hours: 1g (4 doses)
 6 TO 12 YEARS
480mg or 500mg (depending on the concentration)
Repeat at not less than 4 hour intervals
Maximum dose in 24 hours: 2g (4 doses)
 ADULT (OVER 12 YEARS)
500mg to 1g (depending on the concentration)
Repeat at not less than 4 hour intervals
Maximum dose in 24 hours: 4g (4 doses)
Signed
Peter McCarthy
Chief Ambulance Director
pete@direct-firstaid.co.uk
www.direct-firstaid.co.uk
01256 614 999
07891 929 857