EducationPharmacology for EMS
Pharmacology for EMS
Comprehensive medication knowledge for emergency medical services
Beginner12 CEUs12 hours
Learning Objectives
- Understand pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics principles
- Master medication calculations and dosing
- Identify indications, contraindications, and side effects
- Understand drug interactions and special populations
- Apply the six rights of medication administration
Medication Quick Reference
| Medication | Class | Indication | Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epinephrine | Sympathomimetic | Cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis | 1mg IV/IO q3-5min |
| Atropine | Anticholinergic | Bradycardia | 0.5-1mg IV |
| Amiodarone | Antiarrhythmic | VF/pVT | 300mg IV bolus |
| Aspirin | Antiplatelet | ACS/MI | 324mg PO |
| Nitroglycerin | Vasodilator | Chest pain, CHF | 0.4mg SL q5min |
| Morphine | Opioid | Pain, AMI | 2-4mg IV |
| Fentanyl | Opioid | Pain management | 50-100mcg IV |
| Midazolam | Benzodiazepine | Seizures, sedation | 2-5mg IV/IM |
| Albuterol | Beta-2 agonist | Bronchospasm | 2.5mg nebulized |
| Naloxone | Opioid antagonist | Opioid overdose | 0.4-2mg IN/IV |
| Dextrose | Sugar | Hypoglycemia | 12.5-25g IV |
| Glucagon | Hormone | Hypoglycemia | 1mg IM |
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
How drugs enter the bloodstream
Distribution
How drugs spread throughout the body
Metabolism
How drugs are broken down
Elimination
How drugs leave the body
Routes of Administration
IV/IO - Fastest
100% bioavailability, immediate onset
IM - Moderate
Good absorption, 10-20 min onset
SQ - Slower
Slower absorption, 15-30 min onset
PO - Variable
Variable absorption, 30-90 min onset
The Six Rights of Medication Administration
1
Right Patient
Verify identity with two identifiers
2
Right Medication
Check medication three times
3
Right Dose
Calculate and verify dosage
4
Right Route
Confirm administration route
5
Right Time
Administer at correct time
6
Right Documentation
Record immediately after
Medication Calculations
Common Formulas
Dose = (Desired × Volume) / Concentration
Drip Rate = (Volume × Drop Factor) / Time
mcg/kg/min = (Rate × Concentration) / (Weight × 60)
Practice Problems
Medication Safety
- • Always verify allergies before administration
- • Check expiration dates on all medications
- • Never give medications you're not familiar with
- • Document immediately after administration
- • Report all medication errors
- • Consider special populations (pediatric, geriatric, pregnant)