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Assessment of the EMT-P Medications Used by Baltimore County Fire Department EMS Supervisors/EMT-Ps

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 June 2012

Harold C. Cohen
Harold C. Cohen*
Affiliation:
Lieutenant, Baltimore County Fire Department
*
Baltimore County Fire Department, 4814 Grand Bend Drive, Catonsville, MD 21228 USA
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Abstract

Many authorities in EMS have cited the lack of data concerning the efficacy of medications administered by prehospital providers. This paper reports the results of a prospective assessment of the efficacy and safety of certain medications used by emergency medical technician-paramedics (EMT-Ps) in a three-tiered response system. Data were collected for six months using forms that were completed by the EMT-P at the conclusion of an incident. Medication efficacy was measured for: bretylium tosylate, 14 patients/3 conversions to a sustaining rhythm (21 %); diazepam, 20 patients/17 stopped seizing or converted to focal motor seizure (85 %); dopamine hydrochloride, 14 patients/9 experiencing increase of blood pressure (64%); furosemide, 49 patients/28 instances of decreased respiratory distress (57%); and terbutaline sulfate, 46 patients/34 instances of decreased respiratory distress (74%). Serious side effects were rare and well managed by the EMT-Ps. These data indicate that these medications are effective and safe when used in the prehospital environment. Analysis of more data from different delivery profiles is necessary prior to drawing appropriate scientific conclusions. Data collected should include patient follow-up through hospital discharge.

Type
Original Research
Information
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine , Volume 5 , Issue 1 , March 1990 , pp. 19 - 23
Copyright
Copyright © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 1990

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