EMSA 2520 - Pharmacology for the Paramedic 1

Credit Hours: 3.00

Objectives:

The student will:

1. Describe the history, regulation, and classification of medications.
2. Discuss the concepts of pharmokinetics, biotransformation, therapeutic levels, and excretion of medications.
3. Demonstrate their ability to select, administer, and document administration of medications.

Outcome 2:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to correctly and safely administer drugs through various routes.

Objectives:

The student will:

1. Identify the most efficient route for various medications and patient assessment scenarios. 
2. Demonstrate the administration of medications through various routes.
3. Discuss the safe use of medications in a variety of patient ages and medical presentations.

Outcome 3:

Upon completion of this course, students will be proficient at calculations that would administer the correct dosage of medication to a real or simulated patient.

Objectives:

The student will:

1. Demonstrate the conversions from the imperial to the metric system.
2. Discuss the difference between the dose, rate and concentration of medication administration.
3. Identify the need for and appropriate dose of medications for various patient assessment simulations.
4. Draw up and safely administer a variety of medications.

Outcome 4:

Upon completion of this course, students will identify the underlying physiology that is being targeted by respiratory, neurological, cardiac drugs as well as drugs used in allergic reactions.

Objectives:

The student will:

1. Identify the relationship between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
2. Discuss how medications can change the relationship between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
3. Identify the properties of specific receptor sites of the respiratory, neurological, cardiac, and immunological systems.

Outcome 5:

Upon completion of this course, students will define the importance of interstitial, intra and extra cellular fluid and electrolytes.

Objectives:

The student will:

1. Describe electrolytes and how they affect the human body.
2. Describe osmotic pressure, and demonstrate understanding of its importance in homeostasis.
3. Describe the balance pH in the human body and how the body compensates when the pH is imbalanced.

Outcome 6:

Upon completion of this course, students will differentiate the role of IV fluids as routes for drug administration, volume expanders, as well as their function as hypertonic, isotonic, and hypotonic solutions.

Objectives:

The student will:

1. Differentiate osmotic pressure as it relates to hypertonic, isotonic, and hypotonic solutions.
2. Select a hypertonic, isotonic, or hypotonic solution based upon the needs of the patient.
3. Calculate and administer a fluid bolus based upon the needs of the patient.

• Communication: The graduate can communicate effectively for the intended purpose and audience.
• Critical Thinking: The graduate can make informed decisions after analyzing information or evidence related to the issue.
• Global Literacy: The graduate can analyze human behavior or experiences through cultural, social, political, or economic perspectives.
• Information Literacy: The graduate can responsibly use information gathered from a variety of formats in order to complete a task.
• Quantitative Reasoning: The graduate can apply quantitative methods or evidence to solve problems or make judgments.
• Scientific Literacy: The graduate can produce or interpret scientific information presented in a variety of formats.

Module 2: Drug Administration

Module 3: Fluids and Electrolytes/Acid Base

Module 4: Condition Specific Drugs