The College of Paramedics is calling on all members to engage with the UK Government’s consultation on proposals to extend medicines responsibilities for Allied Health Professions (AHPs).
The consultation, launched by the Department of Health and Social Care, seeks views on potential changes that could enhance patient care, streamline clinical pathways, and empower healthcare professionals, including paramedics, to use their skills more effectively.
Chief Executive of the College of Paramedics, Tracy Nicholls OBE FCPara said: “The College of Paramedics has campaigned over many years for these changes, and we welcome the consultation. This is a vital opportunity for paramedics to shape the future of our profession and ensure that our expertise is recognised in the safe, effective, and timely administration of medicines. We strongly encourage every member to review the consultation and submit a response; with your help we can ensure these important changes are made and that paramedics' voices are heard in this important decision-making process.”
THE CONSULTATION
The consultation is proposing that paramedics are able to administer the following 7 drugs directly to patients without a prescription under exemptions in schedule 17 of the HMRs within their scope of professional practice:
3 controlled drugs:
• lorazepam (by injection)
• midazolam (by injection)
• 3 forms of fentanyl (oral transmucosal, intranasal, intravenous)
4 prescription-only medicines (POMs):
• dexamethasone
• magnesium sulfate
• tranexamic acid
• Flumazenil
HOW TO RESPOND
Direct link to survey questions
You will be asked a few questions about your role, and then asked to what extent you agree or disagree with the proposal to enable paramedics to administer each proposed drug.
There is an option to add comments up to 150 words, it would be helpful if you can use this space to share examples of where you feel the change will benefit patient care.
Link to consultation for further information
The consultation is open until 11.59pm 28 October 2025
The College of Paramedics will also be submitting an organisational response but individual submissions from members are essential to demonstrate the strength of support within the profession.
WHY YOUR VOICE MATTERS
· Ensure paramedics’ expertise is reflected in government policy.
• Support improved patient care through timely access to medicines.
• Help shape the future scope of paramedic practice.
David Rovardi, MCPara, Specialist Medicines Advisor at the College of Paramedics said: “This is not just a consultation - it is a chance for paramedics to influence change. We need as many members as possible to get involved, share your expertise and be a part of this opportunity for developing the profession to deliver faster patient care.”
Further information about the consultation can be found here or you can contact our Policy & Public Affairs team
Mandy Powell at Mandy.powell@collegeofparamedics.co.uk and
Tom Taylor at Tom.taylor@collegeofparamedics.co.uk