Are you a nursing student wondering if you should help administer or assist with medication during a First Aid situation? Should you provide medication to someone who asks for it, or assist them in taking their own? Should you stock medications in your first aid kit just in case? These are common questions that nursing students and First Aid trainees frequently encounter during courses.
To help clarify these concerns, let’s look at how to handle medication use in First Aid situations, especially for those studying in Alberta. According to the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety regulations, First Aid responders have clear guidelines on what they can and cannot do when it comes to medication assistance.
Can Nursing Students Give Medications During First Aid?
The rules are straightforward: First Aiders, including nursing students, are not allowed to diagnose, prescribe, or directly administer any medication during a First Aid emergency. However, there is an important distinction—while you cannot "give" medication, you can assist someone with their own prescribed medication, provided the casualty is able to self-identify and self-administer it. This applies to over-the-counter medications as well.
What Does It Mean to Assist With Medications?
In essence, "you CAN assist, but you CANNOT give." To assist safely and effectively, the following conditions must be met:
The individual needing assistance must be conscious and capable of understanding the risks of taking their medication and be able to take it themselves—this is called self-administration.
Your assistance should be limited to preparing the medication for the individual, which may include helping with oral or auto-injected medications (such as an EpiPen®).
The individual should be certain that the medication will not interact negatively with any other substances or conditions they may have. Always ensure the instructions on the label or device are followed closely.
Five Rights of Medication Assistance in First Aid
When assisting with medication during First Aid, nursing students should always follow the Five Rights of Medication to ensure safety:
Right Person: Confirm that the medication is intended for the person who is taking it (the name on the prescription matches the person).
Right Medication: Ensure the appropriate medication is being used for the situation. Read the label to confirm.
Right Amount: Follow the directions on the label, bottle, or device for the correct dosage.
Right Time: Assist the individual as soon as possible—before their condition worsens. The person must be conscious and able to understand how to take the medication.
Right Method: Medications can enter the body in one of four ways—injection, inhalation, ingestion, or absorption. Always read and follow the directions to ensure the proper method is used.
Should Medications Be Stocked in a First Aid Kit?
It's generally not advisable to keep medications in a standard First Aid kit unless it's a workplace requirement or specific to a known condition (e.g., EpiPens® for those with severe allergies). Every individual has unique medication needs, and they should only take those prescribed or recommended for them.
Stay Informed and Be Prepared
For nursing students, understanding the regulations around medication assistance in First Aid scenarios is crucial. This knowledge ensures you provide safe and effective care while staying within your professional boundaries.
Remember, being prepared means having the right information and the right skills—not just the right tools.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, adapted from the Canadian Red Cross, Alberta Health Services, and the Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical or safety training. If you have questions, consult your instructor, local physician, or certified safety training provider.
RESOURCES:
Author - Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd
Jason T
Retired EMT - Heart & Stroke Foundation Senior Instructor