What is the role of glucagon in emergency medicine?

The role of glucagon in emergency medicine is primarily focused on treating severe hypoglycemia, particularly in situations where intravenous access is not possible. Glucagon acts by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in the liver, leading to an increase in blood glucose levels. This is particularly useful in emergencies where a patient is unable to ingest glucose orally due to altered consciousness or an inability to swallow.

In cases of severe hypoglycemia, administering glucagon can quickly elevate blood sugar levels, providing a rapid intervention that can prevent serious neurological damage and other complications associated with prolonged hypoglycemia. This makes glucagon a critical medication for emergency responders and healthcare providers when immediate access to intravenous dextrose is not feasible.

Other options, while important in their respective contexts, do not align with the specific use of glucagon. Glucagon is not indicated for managing cardiac arrest, increasing blood pressure during shock, or treating severe allergic reactions, which require different therapeutic agents such as epinephrine for anaphylaxis and various vasopressors or fluids for shock conditions. Thus, the application of glucagon in cases of hypoglycemia stands out as the primary and correct role in emergency medicine.