What The Medications Do And There Dosages

Question 1

Oxygen

Answer 1

Dose: 1–15 L/min based on delivery method.
Nasal Cannula: 1–6 L/min.
Non-Rebreather Mask (NRB): 10–15 L/min.
Bag-Valve Mask (BVM): 15 L/min.
Route: Inhalation.
What it does: Increases oxygen delivery to tissues; treats hypoxia and supports respiration in critically ill or injured patients.

Question 2

Aspirin (ASA)

Answer 2

Dose: 324 mg (4 x 81 mg chewable tablets).
Route: Oral (chew and swallow).
What it does: Inhibits platelet aggregation; reduces clot formation in arteries, especially useful during myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Question 3

Oral Glucose

Answer 3

Dose: 15–25 grams.
Route: Oral (buccal if needed).
What it does: Raises blood glucose levels rapidly; used to treat hypoglycemia in conscious patients.

Question 4

Activated Charcoal (if allowed by protocol)

Answer 4

Dose: Adult: 25–50 grams; Pediatric: 1 g/kg (usually 12.5–25 grams).
Route: Oral.
What it does: Binds to toxins in the GI tract to prevent absorption; used in certain poisonings.

Question 5

Epinephrine (Auto-Injector)

Answer 5

Dose: Adult: 0.3 mg IM; Pediatric (<30 kg): 0.15 mg IM.
Route: Intramuscular (auto-injector).
What it does: Stimulates alpha and beta receptors; causes vasoconstriction, bronchodilation, and increased heart rate. Used in severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).

Question 6

Nitroglycerin (Assist with patient’s prescription only)

Answer 6

Dose: 0.3–0.6 mg per dose, sublingual; May repeat every 5 minutes, up to 3 doses, if BP > 90–100 mmHg.
Route: Sublingual tablet or spray.
What it does: Dilates blood vessels (vasodilation), reduces cardiac workload and oxygen demand; relieves chest pain from angina or MI.

Question 7

Albuterol (MDI or Nebulized)

Answer 7

Dose: MDI: 1–2 puffs (90 mcg per puff); Nebulizer: Adult: 2.5 mg in 3 mL saline; Pediatric: 1.25–2.5 mg in 3 mL.
Route: Inhalation.
What it does: Beta-2 agonist; causes bronchodilation, making it easier to breathe. Used in asthma, COPD, or bronchospasm.

Question 8

Naloxone (Narcan)

Answer 8

Dose: IN: 2 mg (1 mg per nostril) or 4 mg single spray (depending on formulation); May repeat every 2–5 minutes, max total 10 mg.
Route: Intranasal or IM (if protocol allows).
What it does: Opioid antagonist; reverses the effects of opioid overdose, including respiratory depression.

Question 9

Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI – Bronchodilators like albuterol)

Answer 9

Dose: 1–2 puffs (90 mcg per puff).
Route: Inhalation.
What it does: Same as above – relieves bronchospasm through bronchodilation; helps treat asthma or reactive airway issues.

Question 10

Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen (if allowed in local EMS protocols)

Answer 10

Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Adult: 500–1000 mg PO every 4–6 hrs (max 4g/day); Pediatric: 15 mg/kg PO.
What it does: Reduces pain and fever by acting on the hypothalamus and inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Adult: 400–800 mg PO every 6–8 hrs; Pediatric: 10 mg/kg PO.
What it does: NSAID; reduces inflammation, pain, and fever by inhibiting COX enzymes.