EMT Medications: A Comprehensive Guide

Study Notes

EMT Medications

EMTs are trained to provide emergency medical care and may utilize a wide range of medications to manage various medical conditions. This article focuses on the medications commonly used by EMTs, including naloxone, epinephrine, aspirin, nitroglycerin, activated charcoal, oxygen, oral glucose, diphenhydramine, ibuprofen, and other medications.

Naloxone

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse opioid-related respiratory depression and coma. It has a ½ life of about 20 minutes and is effective in reversing opioid-induced respiratory depression within 30 seconds. It is administered via the IV, IM, SC, or IN routes. High doses of naloxone (up to 10 mg) may be required for patients who have taken or ingested large amounts of opioids or potent synthetic opioids.

Epinephrine

Epinephrine is a medication used to stimulate the nervous system, causing bronchodilation. It is often used in anaphylactic reactions and can be administered via the IM or SC routes. Epinephrine is available in various forms, such as auto-injectors like the EpiPen.

Aspirin

Aspirin is an over-the-counter medication used for analgesia and antipyresis. It is also used in some EMS systems as a pre-hospital medication for acute myocardial infarction when administered in the context of a medical director's protocol.

Nitroglycerin

Nitroglycerin is a medication used for the management of acute myocardial infarction. It is available in various forms, including sublingual tablets and sprays, and is administered via the sublingual route.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is used in the management of certain poisonings, such as overdoses of certain medications. It is administered via the PO route.

Oxygen

Oxygen is used for respiratory support in emergency situations. It is administered via the non-rebreather mask or the oxygen mask.

Oral Glucose

Oral glucose is used in the management of hypoglycemia. It is administered via the PO route.

Diphenhydramine

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used for the treatment of various allergic reactions. It is administered via the IM or IV routes.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief and antipyresis. It is available over the counter and is administered via the PO route.

Other Medications

EMTs may also carry other medications, such as epinephrine, which is used for various indications, including anaphylaxis, and is available in various forms, such as the auto-injector EpiPen. Other medications include furosemide, glucagon, haloperidol, ipratropium, methylprednisolone, naloxone, nitroglycerin, pralidoxime, racemic epinephrine, and sodium bicarbonate.

In conclusion, EMTs are trained to use a variety of medications to manage a wide range of medical conditions. These medications include naloxone for opioid overdoses, epinephrine for anaphylaxis and cardiac arrest, aspirin for myocardial infarction, nitroglycerin for acute myocardial infarction, activated charcoal for certain poisonings, oxygen for respiratory support, oral glucose for hypoglycemia, diphenhydramine for allergic reactions, and ibuprofen for pain relief. EMTs may also carry a range of other medications for specific indications.

Description

This quiz covers the various medications used by EMTs to manage different medical conditions, including naloxone, epinephrine, aspirin, nitroglycerin, and more. Test your knowledge of EMT medications and their indications.