Ketamine: History, Indications, Contraindications, and EMS Applications

[@paulwilson9570]

Could you please explain the reasoning as to why you wouldn't advise the use of ketamine and opiates on the same patient in the pre-hospital environment ? I have, and have found they work quite well.

[@emsdoc]

The combination, especially in the individual who is opiate naive, has a greater potential of respiratory compromise. It was a built in safety measure required by the state EMS authority's scope of practice committee.

[@paulwilson9570]

thanks.

[@emsdoc]

Local policy only. I agree with you completely.

[@rashadsmith3435]

Can you explain why someone would be injected with ketamine during a police arrest?

[@emsdoc]

Most commonly the reason is agitated delirium

[@jamescundiff3264]

combative patients, it knocks them right down. Great drug and its usually given intramuscular and only takes a few minutes to achieve therapeutic effect on the patient.

[@coffeyjoshua]

It has no pain control properties . And you are dangerous for putting these lies out there