New Regulation Supports Life-Saving Actions

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Regulation 1/2025 amends the Regulated Health Professions General Regulation, Manitoba Regulation 189/2013, by introducing a new section, 13.1, concerning first responders. The purpose of this amendment is to provide clarification and exemptions regarding certain medical acts performed by first responders in the course of their work, specifically related to the administration of reserved acts. These reserved acts are specific medical procedures or interventions typically reserved for regulated health professionals, but under the new regulation, first responders who meet certain criteria will be exempt from contravening the Health Professions Act when performing these acts.

Section 13.1 outlines the conditions under which a first responder can perform a reserved act without breaching subsection 5(1) of the Act. To qualify for this exemption, the first responder must meet two key requirements. First, the person must be a first responder as defined in the Land Emergency Medical Response System Regulation, Manitoba Regulation 22/2006. Second, the first responder must be performing the reserved act within the scope of their employment or engagement under this regulation. The new section specifically lists several reserved acts that are covered by this exemption, detailing the circumstances under which these acts may be performed by first responders. These reserved acts include the administration of naloxone hydrochloride for opioid overdose emergencies, mechanical ventilation using a bag-valve mask during resuscitation, the administration of substances like glucose or acetylsalicylic acid based on instructions from a dispatch center, and the use of an auto-injector or inhaler, as well as defibrillation with a semi-automated defibrillator.

The regulation also specifies that a first responder performing these acts must be following instructions from a call taker or another qualified person at a dispatch center. This is a critical aspect, as the guidance from trained professionals ensures that the reserved acts are performed correctly and safely. Additionally, the regulation outlines that certain substances, such as epinephrine and salbutamol, can only be administered by first responders if the individual has a prescription for them or if directed to do so by the dispatch center. The regulation also highlights that in cases like administering naloxone or performing defibrillation, the first responder is carrying out these tasks based on established protocols and under conditions where they are authorized to do so.

The definitions of “call taker” and “dispatch center” are referenced from the Land Emergency Medical Response System Regulation to provide consistency and clarity in understanding the roles and responsibilities of those involved in emergency medical response. These terms ensure that there is no ambiguity about who is authorized to issue instructions to first responders during an emergency situation.

The new provisions are intended to support first responders in performing critical interventions during emergencies while maintaining safety and clarity in terms of their legal and professional obligations.

Manitoba (1/2025) January 10, 2025