Ambulance personnel can successfully treat severe hypoglycaemia

With the current emphasis on stricter control of blood glucose levels in insulin‐treated diabetics, instances of severe hypoglycaemia seem to be increasing. In order to reduce the known risks of prolonged untreated hypoglycaemia ambulance paramedics have been trained to administer glucagon to hypoglycaemic patients in their homes. During an 18 month period glucagon was administered on 28 occasions to 17 patients, and in 25 instances hospital admission was avoided. This study has shown that the administration of glucagon by ambulance personnel is a safe and effective way of treating severely hypoglycaemic patients at home. Widespread adoption of this policy would reduce the risk of hypoglycaemic brain damage as well as saving NHS resources.