Surely we need to look at this from a Risk/benefit perspective - if a
gastritic patient is mistakenly given one soluble 75-150 mg aspirin in the
belief that they have cardiac pain then I cannot imagine the consequences
will be disastrous. However, to withhold a drug with proven benefit from
someone who is having an MI.....! The only real contraindication should be a
documented allergy (N.B. not gastritis which most patients believe to be an
'allergy') to aspirin. I disagree with Davy, however. The notion that the
two groups of patients are easily separated by a 'good history' is, as we
all know, not always realistic.
Andy Lockey
A&E SpR
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask]
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of [log in to unmask]
Sent: 26 September 1998 20:25
To: [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]
Cc: [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]
Subject: Aspirin
There has been a lot of debate locally about the use of aspirin by
inexperienced First Aiders. The 7th edition First Aid manual states that
aspirin should be given in all cases of suspected heart attack. The HSE
publication ACOP states in reg 3 that First Aid 'does not include giving
tablets or medicines to treat illness. Does the medicines act allow First
Aiders to 'prescribe' asprin or not? We have some well qualified staff in
the
area who say they would never give asprin in case of suspected heart attact
because of potential side effect problems. Has the patient taken any other
durgs or medication? Has he any gastric ulcer problem? One is highly
allergic
to the substance. What are the REAL guidelines for the training of First Aid
at Work candidates? The 7th edition seems too vague?
Keith Foster
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|