Chapter 12: Principles of Pharmacology - Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured

Introduction

• Significance of Pharmacology:
  • Understanding drug characteristics and administration is crucial for EMTs.
  • Proper medication use can alleviate pain and improve conditions.
  • Incorrect administration can lead to severe consequences or death.

Medical Definitions

• Pharmacology: Study of drugs, their ingredients, preparation, uses, and actions.
• Medication: Substance used to treat, prevent disease, or relieve pain.
• Pharmacodynamics: How a medication works on the body:
  • Agonist: Stimulates receptors.
  • Antagonist: Blocks receptors.
• Dose: Amount of medication given based on weight, age, desired action.
• Action: Therapeutic effect expected on the body.
• Pharmacokinetics: Body's action on medication:
  • Onset: Time until clinical effects occur.
  • Duration: Length of clinical effects.
  • Elimination: How drugs exit the body.
  • Peak: Maximum clinical effect.

Factors Influencing Medication

• Indications: Conditions for medication use.
• Contraindications: Situations where medication may harm or have no effect:
  • Absolute: Never give.
  • Relative: Benefits may outweigh risks.
• Adverse Effects: Unintended or harmful effects:
  • Unintended: Low risk.
  • Untoward: Harmful.

Medication Names

• Generic Name: Non-proprietary, lowercase, e.g., ibuprofen.
• Trade Name: Brand name, capitalized, e.g., Tylenol.

Routes of Administration

• Enteral: Through the digestive system, e.g., oral.
• Parenteral: Other than digestive system, often faster:
  • IV, IO, SC, IM, Inhalation, SL, Transcutaneous, Intranasal.
• Absorption: Movement through tissues into the bloodstream.

Medication Forms

• Tablets/Capsules: Common for oral intake.
• Solutions/Suspensions: Liquid mixtures, need mixing for suspensions.
• Metered Dose Inhalers: For respiratory illnesses.
• Topical Medications: Creams, ointments for surface application.
• Transcutaneous/Transdermal: Whole body effects, careful handling.
• Gels: Semi-liquid, e.g., oral glucose.
• Gas: Oxygen commonly used.

Medication Administration

• Nine Rights: Patient, medication/indication, dose, route, time, education, refusal, response/evaluation, documentation.
• Types of Administration:
  • Peer-assisted: To self or partner.
  • Patient-assisted: Helping patient use their own meds.
  • EMT Administration: Direct administration by EMT.

Specific Medications and Procedures

• Oral Medications: Safe for conscious and cooperative patients, e.g., aspirin, oral glucose.
• Sublingual Medications: Quick absorption, e.g., nitroglycerin.
• Intramuscular Medications: Quick access, e.g., epinephrine, naloxone (Narcan).
• Intranasal Naloxone: For opiate overdose, quick action.
• Inhaled Medications: Oxygen is common, MDI for respiratory issues.

Patient Medication Information

• Collect comprehensive medication history.
• Medication effects can guide treatment and indicate underlying conditions.

Medication Errors

• Prevention: Ensure good lighting, organized equipment, minimize distractions.
• If Error Occurs: Provide care, notify medical control, document incident accurately, and use as a learning opportunity.

Conclusion

• Pharmacology is critical in emergency care for effective and safe patient management.
• Always adhere to guidelines and protocols for medication administration.