Virginia's Community Colleges: Basic Pharmacology

Basic Pharmacology - EMS 125

https://courses.vccs.edu/courses/EMS125-BasicPharmacology

Effective: 2018-08-01

Course Description

Prepares students to demonstrate competency concerning basic principles of pharmacology, drug dosage calculations and medication administration. Introduces medications listed in the Advanced EMT (AEMT) scope of practice.

Lecture 1 hour. Total 1 hour per week.

1 credits

The course outline below was developed as part of a statewide standardization process.

General Course Purpose

The purpose of this course is to introduce the novice student to the principles of pharmacology and skills related to intravenous therapy and medication administration.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisite: Current Virginia EMT and CPR certification as approved by the Virginia Office of EMS. Corequisite: EMS 126.

Course Objectives

Discuss safe practices involved in medication administration
Identify laws that regulate medications in the United States
Outline types of medication by classification
Define key terms related to pharmacology
Determine drug dosages based on presenting factors
Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of different routes of medication administration
Describe the pharmacological aspects of various medications

Major Topics to be Included

Medication Safety

Safe practices in medication administration
Legislation related to medications

Medication Overview

Types of names
Classifications
Storage and security
Terminology related to medications

Pharmacological Concepts

Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacodynamics
Special Considerations in Pediatrics and Geriatrics

Medication Administration

Routes of Administration
Methods of calculating drug doses
Advantages and disadvantages of administration techniques
Patient response to medications
Documentation

Specific Medications [for Advanced EMT (AEMT) - a mid-level certification between EMT and paramedic]

Albuterol
Aspirin
Dextrose
Epinephrine (Intramuscular or Subcutaneous)
Glucagon
Glucose
Intravenous Fluids
Naloxone
Nitroglycerin
Nitrous Oxide

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