MEDS

Opioid Overdose Treatment and Common Medications

Opioid Overdose Treatment

  • Naloxone (Narcan)

    • Action: Reverses respiratory depression from opioid overdose

    • Indications: Opioid poisoning, respiratory depression

    • Routes: IM (Intramuscular), IN (Intranasal)

    • Dosage: 0.4 mg SL (sublingual) spray, 2 mg IN or IM auto-injector

    • Adverse Effects: Nausea, vomiting

    • Notes: Additional doses may be required for severe opioid overdoses.

Glucose Treatment for Hypoglycemia

  • Glucose

    • Action: Provides glucose for cell use, reverses hypoxia

    • Indications: Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia)

    • Route: PO (by mouth)

    • Dosage: 1/2 to 1 tube of oral glucose

    • Adverse Effects: Nausea, vomiting

Oxygen Administration

  • Oxygen

    • Action: Provides oxygen to be absorbed by lungs, reverses hypoxia

    • Indications: Hypoxia or suspected hypoxia

    • Route: Inhalation

    • Caution: Can support combustion; rarely used in patients with COPD

    • Safety: Ensure no open flames nearby, do not withhold oxygen from respiratory distress patients.

Common Over-the-Counter Medications

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

    • Action: Analgesic and fever reducer

    • Indications: Relief of mild pain or fever

    • Route: PO

    • Dosage: 500 to 1,000 mg every 4 hours as needed

    • Caution: Avoid with alcohol or MAO inhibitors, weight-based dosage for children.

  • Antihistamines

    • Action: Blocks histamine; mild allergic reactions relief

    • Indications: Allergic reactions, nausea

    • Route: PO

    • Dosage: 25 to 50 mg

    • Caution: Sleepiness, potential for overdose on OTC medications containing acetaminophen.

  • Aspirin

    • Action: Antiplatelet agent that prevents blood clot formation

    • Indications: Used for chest pain, suspected myocardial infarction (heart attack), and as a preventive measure for cardiovascular diseases

    • Route: PO

    • Dosage: 160 to 325 mg (usually given at 325 mg for acute chest pain, chewed for faster absorption)

    • Adverse Effects: Nausea, gastrointestinal bleeding, allergic reactions

    • Caution: Contraindicated in patients with active bleeding or those allergic to aspirin.

Common Bronchodilators and Emergency Medications

  • Common Bronchodilators

    • Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin)

      • Action: Stimulates nervous system, causing bronchodilation

      • Indications: Asthma requiring respiratory assistance

      • Route: Inhalation

      • Adverse Effects: Tachycardia, anxiety, restlessness

    • Ipratropium (Atrovent)

      • Action: Stimulates nervous system for bronchodilation

      • Indications: Difficult breathing, chest pain of cardiac origin

      • Adverse Effects: Tachycardia, dizziness

    • Epinephrine (EpiPen)

      • Action: Stimulates nervous system, causing bronchodilation

      • Indications: Anaphylactic reaction

      • Route: IM

      • Adverse Effects: Hypertension, tachycardia

    • Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitromist)

      • Action: Dilates blood vessels

      • Indications: Chest pain of cardiac origin

      • Route: SL tablet or spray

      • Dosage: 0.3 to 0.4 mg

      • Caution: Hypotension risk, avoid with sildenafil usage in past 24 hours.

EMT Administration Protocols

  • EMTs Administer or Assist in Administering Medications include:

    • Oxygen

    • Oral glucose

    • Aspirin

    • Epinephrine

    • Inhaled beta agonists/bronchodilators (albuterol/ipratropium)

    • Nitroglycerin

    • Naloxone

    • Oral OTC analgesics for fever or pain

  • Routes and Dosage:

    • Dosage is critical, especially based on the patient's age or weight in kilograms.

    • Follow local medical protocols, which dictate administration guidelines.

    • Importance of assessing patient capabilities before administration (e.g., ability to chew or follow commands).

Additional Considerations

  • Use caution with medications: Contraindications must be evaluated

  • Monitor for adverse effects closely

  • Specific attention to medical control protocols and reporting obligations.

Medical Protocols and Special Populations

  • EMT Responsibilities

    • Understanding local protocols is essential for safe medication administration.

    • Be familiar with the emergency medications and routes available for EMTs.

  • Special Populations

    • Infants and children require weight-based dosing.

    • Use proper dosing tools (Broselow tape) for accurate administration.

Common Medical Emergencies

  • Types of Medical Emergencies

    • Respiratory: Conditions such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis

    • Cardiovascular: Heart attacks, congestive heart failure

    • Neurologic: Seizure, stroke, syncope

    • Gastrointestinal: Appendicitis, pancreatitis

    • Endocrine: Diabetes mellitus

    • Immunologic: Anaphylactic reactions

  • Importance of Recognition

    • Immediate intervention is crucial for survival in emergencies like heart attacks, anaphylaxis, or seizures.

    • Each type of emergency presents unique challenges, requiring tailored approaches to care.