From the Guidelines
To effectively remember and recognize pharmacology medications as a paramedic, it is crucial to use a combination of memory techniques, including creating acronyms, visual associations, and grouping medications by clinical use, as well as practicing dose calculations and reinforcing knowledge through practical application. When it comes to remembering specific medications and their doses, such as epinephrine, amiodarone, and lidocaine, as outlined in the 2020 American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care 1, creating memorable associations can be helpful. For example, recalling that epinephrine is administered at a dose of 0.01 milligrams per kilogram (with a maximum dose of 1 milligram) and can be given intravenously, intraosseously, or endotracheally in specific concentrations, can be aided by visualizing the medication's effect on the heart rate. Key techniques include:
- Creating acronyms for medication classes
- Developing visual associations between medications and their effects or containers
- Grouping medications by their clinical uses rather than chemical classes
- Using spaced repetition with flashcards to review drug names, doses, indications, contraindications, and side effects
- Practicing dose calculations with realistic scenarios, such as calculating the dose of amiodarone (5 milligrams per kilogram bolus during cardiac arrest) or lidocaine (1 milligram per kilogram loading dose)
- Making connections between medications and their physiological effects, which can help in remembering their purposes and potential side effects, as suggested by guidelines for emergency preparedness in pediatric offices 1. By engaging multiple learning pathways in the brain, these techniques make pharmacological information more accessible during high-stress situations, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.
From the Research
Recognizing and Remembering Pharmacology Meds as a Paramedic
To recognize and remember pharmacology meds as a paramedic, several strategies can be employed:
- Familiarization with commonly used medications, such as epinephrine, which is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis 2, 3, 4, 5
- Understanding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medications, including their administration routes, dosages, and potential side effects 2, 4
- Staying up-to-date with the latest research and guidelines on medication use in emergency medical services (EMS) 2, 3, 4, 5
- Developing leadership skills to effectively manage patient care and make informed decisions about medication administration 6
Key Medications to Remember
Some key medications to remember as a paramedic include:
- Epinephrine, which is used to treat anaphylaxis and is administered intramuscularly in the lateral thigh 2, 4
- Other medications that may be used in EMS, such as those for cardiac arrest, trauma, or respiratory distress
Strategies for Remembering Medications
Strategies for remembering medications include:
- Creating flashcards or concept maps to help memorize medication names, dosages, and administration routes
- Practicing medication administration in simulation labs or real-world scenarios
- Reviewing medication guidelines and protocols regularly to stay up-to-date with the latest information 2, 3, 4, 5
- Developing a system for organizing and prioritizing medication administration, such as using a medication checklist or algorithm 6