Paramedic analgesia comparing ketamine and morphine in trauma (PACKMaN): a randomised, double-blind, phase 3 trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Paramedics frequently administer analgesic medications for pain following trauma. Morphine is the most commonly administered strong analgesic. However, it may not be the best option as it may lower blood pressure, depress respiration and there is a risk of dependency. Ketamine might be a better option due to speed of onset and favourable side-effect profile. We sought to compare clinical effectiveness of paramedic administered ketamine and morphine in patients with severe pain following trauma.

Methods

PACKMaN was a double-blinded, randomised controlled, superiority trial, conducted in two regional ambulance services in the UK. Eligible patients were 16 years of age or over, had an acute injury, and articulated a pain score of 7 or greater on a 0-10 numeric rating

SUBMITTER: Smyth MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12002782 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature