The Role of an Emergency Department Pharmacist

This article outlines the role of the pharmacist as a member of the Emergency Department team six years after introducing the service. The pharmacist is involved in all areas of ‘normal’ clinical pharmacy practice, plus other areas specific to the Emergency Department. These include advice and support in emergency toxicology, reporting adverse drug reactions, and preparation of drugs during an arrest. Education is also a high priority and the pharmacist is often requested to provide presentations, help write protocols, and assist with professional development programs.