Question 1

What medications can an EMT-Basic administer?

Accepted Answer

EMT-Basic medications (with standing orders or online medical direction) typically include: oxygen, oral glucose (hypoglycemia), aspirin (chest pain/suspected ACS), epinephrine auto-injector (anaphylaxis), albuterol (bronchospasm assist), naloxone (opioid reversal in many states), nitroglycerin (assist with patient's own), and activated charcoal (poisoning, some systems).

Question 2

What is epinephrine used for in EMS?

Accepted Answer

In prehospital EMS, epinephrine is used for: anaphylaxis (1:1000 IM, 0.3 mg adult), cardiac arrest (1:10000 IV/IO, 1 mg q3–5min), and severe asthma/bronchospasm (1:1000 IM or SQ). Dose and concentration differ significantly by indication — dose errors are high-risk.

Question 3

What does naloxone do?

Accepted Answer

Naloxone (Narcan) is a pure opioid antagonist that reverses opioid overdose. In EMS, it's given IM, IV, IO, or intranasal (IN) for respiratory depression from heroin, fentanyl, prescription opioids, or unknown substances. Onset is 2–5 minutes; duration is 30–90 minutes (shorter than many opioids, so re-sedation is possible).

EMS Medications List — EMT & Paramedic Drugs