In a medical emergency involving a medication, whom should a pharmacist contact?

In a medical emergency involving a medication, contacting emergency medical services or poison control is the most appropriate action for a pharmacist. This choice is correct because emergency medical services (EMS) can offer immediate assistance and coordinate care in critical situations, while poison control centers provide specialized expertise in managing exposures to medications and toxic substances.

In many cases, time is of the essence during a medical emergency, and EMS can mobilize a team that can arrive on the scene quickly, providing transport to a medical facility when necessary. Poison control centers can deliver vital information regarding the specific medication involved, including recommended treatments or interventions.

The local hospital emergency department, while being a vital resource, is not the first point of contact for immediate emergency assistance; they generally expect to receive patients referred to them by EMS. Contacting a licensed healthcare provider can be beneficial, but they might not be readily available to handle urgent situations. The pharmacy's consulting doctor could provide expertise but may not be accessible in real-time during an emergency.

Thus, the appropriate and most effective course of action is to contact emergency medical services or poison control, ensuring rapid intervention and expert guidance.