TL;DR

Cardiac Medications (Paramedic): Epinephrine, amiodarone, lidocaine, atropine, adenosine, dopamine, vasopressin.

By Valenke Exam Prep Team·Last updated 2026-06-02

Cardiac Medications (Paramedic)

Definition

Epinephrine, amiodarone, lidocaine, atropine, adenosine, dopamine, vasopressin.

Workplace Applications

In daily practice, cardiac medications (paramedic) is applied consistently according to facility protocols and current evidence-based guidelines. Competency is maintained through annual skills validation, continuing education, and quality improvement participation.

Safety Considerations

Field safety for cardiac medications (paramedic) includes scene assessment before patient contact. Ensure BSI (body substance isolation) precautions are in place. PPE selection depends on the mechanism and suspected pathogens. Gloves are the minimum; add mask and eye protection for splash risk, N95 for airborne pathogens.

Never approach a scene involving hazardous materials, violence, or structural instability without proper resources and clearance from incident command.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Protocol steps for cardiac medications (paramedic):

STEMI protocol: 12-lead ECG within 10 min then aspirin 324mg then NTG if SBP >90 then notify cath lab then transport code 3

Common Errors

Critical errors in prehospital application of cardiac medications (paramedic):

Failing to reassess after intervention. Vital signs must be rechecked every 5 minutes for unstable patients
Incorrect medication dosing. Always use length-based estimation (Broselow tape) for pediatric patients
Tunnel vision on one finding while missing the complete clinical picture
Not communicating changes to receiving facility during transport

Calculation Methods

Dosage calculations related to cardiac medications (paramedic) in EMS:

aspirin: 324mg PO chewed (PO)
dextrose: D50W 25g IV (adult), D25W 2-4 mL/kg (peds) (IV/IO)
epinephrine: 1:10,000 1mg IV/IO q3-5min (cardiac arrest), 1:1,000 0.3mg IM (anaphylaxis) (IV/IO, IM, ET)

Pediatric dosing: always calculate by weight (mg/kg). Use Broselow tape if weight is unknown.

Key Values & Ranges

Key values and ranges relevant to cardiac medications (paramedic) in prehospital care:

Parameter	Adult	Pediatric
blood glucose	70-140 mg/dL	60-100 mg/dL (neonates lower)
ETCO2	35-45 mmHg	35-45 mmHg
respiratory rate	12-20 breaths/min	25-50 (infant), 15-30 (child)
temperature	97.8-99.1 F (36.5-37.3 C)	same range, rectal preferred under 2yo

Why It Matters

Cardiac drug indications and doses extensively tested on Paramedic exam.

Practice This Topic

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Frequently Asked Questions

What assessment tools help evaluate cardiac medications (paramedic)?▼

For cardiac medications (paramedic): Glasgow Coma Scale: evaluates Eye opening (1-4), Verbal response (1-5), Motor response (1-6); scoring is 3-15, 8 or less = severe, 9-12 = moderate, 13-15 = mild. OPQRST: evaluates Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Time; scoring is Pain assessment mnemonic.

What medications are commonly associated with cardiac medications (paramedic)?▼

For cardiac medications (paramedic): aspirin: 324mg PO chewed, route PO, for ACS/suspected MI. adenosine: 6mg rapid IV push, then 12mg if needed, route IV rapid push with flush, for SVT (narrow complex tachycardia).

What vital signs should be monitored when assessing cardiac medications (paramedic)?▼

For cardiac medications (paramedic): heart rate: 60-100 bpm. SpO2: 95-100%. respiratory rate: 12-20 breaths/min. Reassess every 5 minutes for unstable patients.