emt medications

Narcan

Used for opioid overdose with respiratory depression/unconsciousness.

Indications for Narcan

Opioid overdose with respiratory depression or unconsciousness.

Contraindications for Narcan

Not for opioid overdose if the patient is conscious or has no respiratory depression.

Route of Administration for Narcan

Intranasal, dosed at 2-4 mg.

Specific Assessment for Narcan Administration

Verify narcotic overdose by confirming pinpoint pupils with respiratory depression.

Dosage of Narcan

0.4-4 mg.

MDI

Specifically refers to fast acting inhalers used for respiratory distress.

Indications for Albuterol MDI

Respiratory distress from bronchial constriction.

Contraindications for Albuterol MDI

CHF and wet lung sounds.

Route of Administration for Albuterol

One dose (usually 2 puffs) or nebulizer treatment (3 mg or equivalent to 5 puffs).

Specific Assessment for Albuterol Administration

Verify the patient takes/has the medication; assess lung sounds.

Dosage of Albuterol

2 puffs.

ASA

Aspirin, used for cardiac chest pain.

Indications for ASA

Cardiac chest pain.

Contraindications for ASA

Bleeding and major allergy.

Route of Administration for ASA

Chewed.

Specific Assessment for ASA Administration

Rule out chest pain caused by trauma; ensure no allergies and no active bleeding.

Dosage of ASA

4 x 81 mg = 324 mg or 1 adult dose (325 mg) tablet.

NTG

Nitroglycerin, used for cardiac chest pain.

Indications for NTG

Cardiac chest pain.

Contraindications for NTG

BP below 100 mmHg systolic; cannot be given within 24-48 hours of specific ED drugs.

Route of Administration for NTG

Sublingual.

Specific Assessment for NTG Administration

Ensure the patient has the medication; check BP and rule out trauma; ensure no recent ED drug use.

Dosage of NTG

0.4 mg, up to 3 doses without medical command authorization.

O2

Oxygen, used for difficulty breathing.

Indications for O2

Difficulty breathing; pulse-ox < 95%; hypoperfusion; significant MOI/NOI.

Contraindications for O2

High-flow oxygen caution in COPD; may harm ischemic conditions.

Route of Administration for O2

Depends on situation; can be nasal cannula or non-rebreather mask.

Specific Assessment for O2 Administration

Check pulse-ox; assess need based on patient presentation.

Dosage of O2

Depends on route.

Glucose

Used for hypoglycemia.

Indications for Glucose

Hypoglycemia.

Contraindications for Glucose

No gag reflex.

Route of Administration for Glucose

Oral if able to swallow; buccal if no gag reflex but unable to follow commands.

Specific Assessment for Glucose Administration

Identify signs/symptoms of hypoglycemia; check blood glucose (BG).

Dosage of Glucose

Half to full tube.

Glucagon

Used for hypoglycemia in patients with no gag reflex.

Indications for Glucagon

hypoglycemia in patients with no gag reflex.

Contraindications for Glucagon

Conscious patient with BG > 60.

Route of Administration for Glucagon

Intranasal spray.

Specific Assessment for Glucagon Administration

Assess ability to swallow and check BG level.

Dosage of Glucagon

Baqsimi - 3 mg intranasal (PA ONLY).

Activated Charcoal

Used for oral poisoning.

Indications for Activated Charcoal

Oral poisoning.

Contraindications for Activated Charcoal

Greater than 30 minutes after poisoning; unable to maintain an open airway or swallow; ingestion of acid.

Route of Administration for Activated Charcoal

Oral.

Specific Assessment for Activated Charcoal Administration

Must contact medical command for authorization; need to know patient details.

Dosage of Activated Charcoal

1 g/kg, up to 50 grams (authorization needed).

Epinephrine

Used for anaphylaxis.

Indications for Epinephrine

Anaphylaxis.

Contraindications for Epinephrine

Lack of signs of anaphylaxis.

Route of Administration for Epinephrine

Intramuscular into vastus lateralis.

Specific Assessment for Epinephrine Administration

Confirm allergy; assess airway, skin, and lung sounds.

Dosage of Epinephrine

0.3 mg for adult; 0.15 mg for pediatric.