Penthrox/Methoxyflurane

[Madhatter]

I’m currently building a small case study for the possible use of Penthrox within the confines on Fire and Rescue. For those not familiar it is an painkiller for the use of relieving moderate to severe pain. Self administered using an inhaler (the green whistle) 

I believe there is a need for us to have these available to use in certain situations. My examples would be specialist rescues, such as rope and water rescue where access from Paramedics or arrival of SORT/HART may be delayed. 
I have done relevant research on the pros, cons, legal and side effects of this medication. 
simply put my question is, would you as a firefighter be happy for this to be added to your Trauma Kit provided the relevant training etc was In Place? 
anything else would be helpful, as always, thanks in advance. 

[Rory-495]

Why not so long as there's training? We had fentanyl issued as team medics in the army for immediate pain treatment pending arrival of a Combat Med Tech. Given we probably wait longer for a paramedic than squaddies wait for a CMT why shouldn't we?

[LFB92]

I've always thought that military-style 'Team Medics' would carry over well into the fire brigade. A few members of each watch trained to a higher level and able to administer certain pain relief as mentioned above, and advanced trauma care would surely help bridge the gap between the fire service and the ambulance.

[Kinmel]

Before there were Paramedics as such (in the 1980's), West Midlands had an ambition for every pump crew to include at least one firefighter with medic training.  I know the training started, but for some reason it dies away.

[Rory-495]

West mids currently are frec3 with instructors trained to frec4. We are revamping all our training currently and one suggestion is less training for things like breaks and sprains that we can't really use and more focus on trauma. We could then have a few per watch that are trained to a higher level

[LFB92]

Rory as someone who has been in London and gone elsewhere, how does IEC compare with the more recognised frec 3?

[Rory-495]

It's the same course, same subjects and knowledge but just a different qualification/awarding body. 

Which was great having just done a 5 day IEC before leaving LFB and then having to do a 5 day FREC 

Back to the idea about painkillers, I think the biggest problem with this is the training cost, the implementation of the training, finding a qualification that allows for painkillers to be administered as well as controlling of the substances. Currently we only really have oxygen as a controlled substance but painkillers are a different kettle of fish

[Firefox1608]

How many other services carry Entonox on appliances? We've had it on the run since 2016 and is used regularly across our service, both operational crews and co-responders. 

I've received training on Penthrox through other organisations and the main limitation I can see is it's not currently licensed for use for under 18s in the UK. Penthrox has a small box, so does take up far less space than the large barrel bag required for Entonox, its hose and filters.