Unapproved medicine use by paramedics in New Zealand: a comparative analysis with Australian and United Kingdom frameworks

New Zealand's framework of Section 29 is ill-suited for pre-hospital emergency care, creating ethical and practical dilemmas for paramedics. Comparative insights reveal that more flexible legal frameworks in the UK and Australia better support paramedics' ability to provide timely care. Ethical considerations emphasise the need to balance regulatory oversight with patient care imperatives. Legislative reforms in New Zealand are urgently needed to enable the lawful administration of unapproved medicines by paramedics, reduce administrative burdens and align its framework with international best practices.