[Possible role of pharmacists in emergency medical care]

Abstract

Emergency medicine is an interdisciplinary area that covers medical care in an emergency room, trauma center and intensive care unit. It also provides prehospital emergency medical service and disaster medicine. Pharmacists are expected to play major roles as a member of the emergency medical team. The roles of pharmacist include inventory management, formulary management, administration guidance, medication delivery, identification of a tablet, analysis of intoxicating substance, and therapeutic drug monitoring. During disaster response, accompanying disaster relief team to provide supervision for stock and prescription of medications could also be an important mission of a pharmacist. As a member of the emergency medical team, knowledge and skills for effective communication is essential to discuss patients' condition and therapeutic strategy with other healthcare providers. Basic life support and first-aid ability are mandatory to all the medical professionals who take care of patients. Safety and security management at the emergency or disaster scene is another important requirement. We hope more pharmacists will join the emergency and disaster medicine and contribute to extend a hand to the sufferers.