Standards Procedure (Skill)
Clinical Indications: Levels: EMT-B, EMT- D,
EMT-I, EMT-P
Ø Patients with suspected hypoglycemia (diabetic emergencies, change in mental status, bizarre behavior, etc.)
Procedure:
a. Gather and prepare equipment.
b. Clean selected finger with alcohol prep pad and allow the skin to dry.
c. Place the loaded Penlet against the cleansed portion of the finger.
d. With a slight pressure against the finger, release the needle allowing it to penetrate the finger.
e. Allow a drop of blood to gather at the site of insertion (milking the finger may help).
f. Place the reagent strip to the drop of blood allowing the correct amount to collect on the reagent strip.
g. Place the reagent strip into the glucometer and allow to process as instructed by the manufacturer.
h. Dispose of the needle from the Penlet in an approved container.
i. Document the glucometer reading and treat the patient as indicated by the analysis and protocol.
j. Repeat the glucose analysis as indicated for reassessment after treatment and per protocol.
k. Document procedure and findings on the ACR.
Certification Requirements:
Successfully complete an annual skill evaluation including the indications, contraindications, technique, and possible complications of the procedure.