EMT Meds

What does oxygen do

used to treat hypoxia

indications for oxygen

spo2 under 94%, respiratory distress, shock, trauma, chest pain

contraindications for oxygen

none (caution with COPD)

nasal cannula

2-6l/min, 24-44%

nonrebreather

12-15L/min, 80-100%

bag valve mask

12-15L/min, 90-100%

what does aspirin do

prevents aggregation of platelets

aspirin indications

suspected ACS or chest pain of cardiac origin

aspirin contraindication

allergy, active GI bleed, recent stroke, pediatric patients

aspirin dose

4 baby aspirin, 81mg each for a total of 324mg

aspirin notes

must be chewed for faster absorption, reduces mortality in heart attacks

what does nitroglycerine do

vasodilator - reduces cardiac workload

nitroglycerine indications

chest pain, patient has their own prescription

nitroglycerine contraindications

systolic BP <100, erectile dysfunction drugs (w/in 24-48 hrs), head injury, right sided myocardial infarction

mitroglycerine dose

0.4 SL spray every 5 min (up to 3 doses)

nitroglycerine notes

check BP before and after each dose, can cause headache and hypotension

what is epinephrine

sympathomimetic (stimulates alpha & beta receptors)

epinephrine indications

anaphalaxis, severe allergic reaction with airway involvement

epinephrine contraindications

none in life threatening conditions

epinephrine dose

0.3 for adult, 0.15 for kids

epinephrine notes

causes bronchodialation and vasoconstriction

what is albuterol

bronchodialator

abuterol indications

asthma attack, wheezing/bronchospasm

albuterol contraindications

hypersensitivity, caution in cardiac patients

albuterol dose

2.5mg via nebulizer or assist with

albuterol notes

side effects: tachycardia, jitteriness; improves airflow quickly

what is oral glucose

raises blood glucose levels

oral glucose indications

hypoglycemic and altered mental status, patient conscious and able to swallow

oral glucose contraindications

unconscious, unable to protect airway

oral glucose dose

1/2-1 packet or 15-25g PO

oral glucose notes

place between the cheek and gum, reassess mental status after administration

what is nalaxone (narcan)

opioid antagonist (reverses overdose)

narcan indications

suspected opioid overdose, respiratory depression

narcan contraindications

hypersensitivity (rare)

narcan dose

2.0mg IN

narcan notes

may cause withdrawal and promote combativeness, duration shorter than opioids (may need to repeat dose)

what is activated charcoal

binds to toxins in GI tract

activated charcoal indications

certain poisonings and overdoses

activated charcoal contraindications

altered mental status, ingestion of caustics or petroleum products

activated charcoal dose

1g/kg PO

activated charcoal notes

must be given early, can cause vomiting