Studying for the NREMT can feel overwhelming—so many medications, dosages, and interventions to remember! To simplify things, here's a concise, quick-reference guide covering the essentials you'll need for the exam and real-life emergencies.
Key Medications You Need to Know
Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)
Indications: Non-traumatic chest pain (suspected heart attack)
Dose: 324 mg orally (chewable preferred)
What it does: Reduces clot formation to help prevent worsening of a heart attack, is an anti-inflammatory, and an antipyretic.
Contraindications:
- Allergy or hypersensitivity to aspirin or other NSAIDs
- Active gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers
- Bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia, thrombocytopenia)
- Severe liver or kidney disease
- Pediatric patients
Activated Charcoal
Indications: Poisoning or overdose within the first hour
Dose: 1g/kg orally
What it does: Binds toxins in the stomach to prevent absorption
Contraindications:
- Ingestion of acids, alkalis, or hydrocarbons
- Comatose patients
- Simultaneous administration with other oral drugs
Albuterol
Indications: Bronchospasms (e.g., asthma, COPD) and wheezing
Dose: 2.5 mg via nebulizer (6-8LPM)
Route: Inhalation
What it does: Relaxes airway muscles to improve breathing
Contraindications: None
Epinephrine (1:1000)
Indications: Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
Dose: 0.3–0.5 mg adult, 0.15 mg pediatric; intramuscularly
What it does: Opens airways, increases blood pressure, and reduces allergic response
Contraindications: None—administer to save lives first!
Naloxone (Narcan)
Indications: Opioid overdose with respiratory depression
Dose: 0.4 mg (IN)
What it does: Reverses opioid effects, restores breathing
Contraindications: None—administer immediately if opioid overdose is suspected
Nitroglycerin
Indications: Chest pain from suspected heart issues
Dose: 0.4 mg sublingual, every 5 minutes as needed
What it does: Dilates blood vessels to improve blood flow and reduce chest pain
Contraindications:
- Systolic BP <90 mmHg
- Recent use of erectile dysfunction medications
Oral Glucose
Indications: Hypoglycemia
Dose: 15 g orally
What it does: Raises blood sugar quickly to provide energy
Contraindications: Patient unable to swallow or unconscious
Essential Interventions
Airway Management
Oropharyngeal/Nasopharyngeal Airways: For unresponsive patients without a gag reflex
Endotracheal Intubation: For advanced airway management
Oxygen Administration
Indications: Signs of hypoxia
Methods:
- Nasal cannula (1–6 L/min)
- Non-rebreather mask (10–15 L/min)
- Bag-valve mask (15 L/min)
CPR
Adult: 30 compressions: 2 breaths, compress 2 inches deep
Child: 30:2, compress 2 inches
Infant: 30:2, compress 1.5 inches
Defibrillation
Indications: Ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia
Contraindications:
- Patient has a pulse
- Asystole (flatline)
- Pads placed directly over a pacemaker or ICD (adjust placement)
- Patient is in water or on a wet/conductive surface
- Pads touching metal surfaces
Spinal Immobilization
Indications: Suspected spinal injuries
Equipment: Cervical collar, backboard, head immobilization
Bleeding Control
Methods: Direct pressure, elevation, hemostatic dressings, tourniquet if needed
Trauma Assessment
Primary Survey (ABCDE): Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure
Secondary Survey: Head-to-toe check, vital signs, SAMPLE history
Quick Tips to Remember
The 5 Rights: Right patient, medication, dose, route, time
Know Your Contraindications: Never administer a medication if it could harm the patient
Practice Skills Often: Hands-on practice beats memorization
Stay Updated: EMT protocols evolve, so keep your knowledge current
Final Thoughts
Studying for the NREMT doesn't have to be overwhelming. Keep this guide handy, review it frequently, and practice your skills. With time and repetition, these medications and interventions will become second nature.
Medceptor is here to help you practice all of this in realistic scenarios, track your progress, and get personalized feedback. Ready to take your EMT skills to the next level? Try Medceptor today and see how quickly you can master medications and interventions!