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Paramedics, emergency medical responders, and first responders play a vital role in the current opioid health emergency. In regards to a patient with a suspected narcotic overdose:

• Primary airway management is required by ensuring the patient’s airway is protected, open and clear.
• The patient is well oxygenated or ventilated

This may be all that is required to reverse the effects of a narcotic overdose. In addition, Naloxone is an excellent tool to be used when the patient has not responded to oxygenation and ventilation. Please check out www.fentanylsafety.com/ for further information. In October 2016, legislation was passed that allows any person in B.C. to administer Naloxone via intra-nasal and intra-muscular routes.

The EMA Licensing Board and the EMA Licensing Branch operate under the following legislation and regulations:

Emergency Health Services Act

• the Act also empowers the Board to make rules governing its own procedure

Emergency Medical Assistants Regulation

Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board’s Rules for Complaints, Investigations and Discipline Hearings

Emergency Health Services Regulation

Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board Regulation

Section 11.1 of the Emergency Health Services Act relates to emergency medical assistants' obligations regarding advance directives. For more information, please read the EMA Special Bulletin (PDF, 525KB) on advance directives.

Other legislation and regulations that affect EMA practice include:

WorkSafe BC – Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Good Samaritan Act

Gunshot and Stab Wound Disclosure Act. Read more about disclosure requirements under this Act (PDF, 160KB).

For Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Branch contact information, mailing address, and departmental contacts, see the Contact Us page.