emt-basic curriculum module 4

State of WisconsinEMT-Basic: A Practice BasedApproach to EMS EducationVII.VIII.(3) Document administration and effect of medicationRelationship to Airway Management - should be prepared to intervene withappropriate oxygen administration and artificial ventilation supportMedicationsA. Metered dose inhalers (MDI)1. Medication name (most commonly used)a) Generic - albuterol, isoetharine, metaproteranol, etc.b) Trade - Proventil, Ventolin, Bronkosol, Bronkometer,Alupent, Metaprel, etc.2. Indications - meets all of the following criteria:a) Exhibits signs and symptoms of respiratory emergency,b) Has physician prescribed handheld inhaler, andc) Specific authorization by medical direction3. Contraindicationsa) Inability of patient to use deviceb) Inhaler is not prescribed for the patientc) No permission from medical directiond) Patient has already met maximum prescribed dose priorto EMT-Basic arrivale) Possible allergic reactions would have previously beenruled out by the patient’s physician prior to writing aprescription4. Medication form - handheld metered dose inhaler5. Dosage - number of inhalations based upon medical direction'sorder or physician's order based upon consultation with thepatient6. Administration - inhaleda) Obtain order from medical direction either on-line oroff-lineb) Assure right medication, right patient, right route, patientalert enough to use inhalerc) Check the expiration date of the inhalerd) Check to see if the patient has already taken any dosese) Assure the inhaler is at room temperature or warmerf) Shake the inhaler vigorously several timesg) Remove oxygen nonrebreather mask from patienth) Have the patient exhale deeplyi) Have the patient put his lips around the opening of theinhalerj) Have the patient depress the handheld inhaler as hebegins to inhale deeplyk) Instruct the patient to hold his breath for as long as hecomfortably can (so medication can be absorbed)l) Replace oxygen on patientm) Allow patient to breathe a few times and repeat seconddose per medical directionModule 4-18