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I guess the point I was trying to make is that there is a certain level of training and/or certification needed to administer O2 and therefore it is not a good idea for just anyone to administer.

AMP and Nwcid you are correct that there are several meds that are within the scope of practice of EMT-Bs (don't forget activated charcol, yuck). I forgot that Epi can be given without clearing it with higher authority. The medical director for the SW Washington area when I got my cert kept the basics on a pretty short leash. Since I am graduate from nursing school in three weeks and will become a newly licensed RN shortly I haven't kept up with any changes or updates to the protocol since I'm going to let my EMT cert lapse when it expires this year.
 
I took my EMT-B in california, I don't remember if we were supposed to give activated charcoal, it's likely that we were, but it was barely covered in class. The highest focus was on assisting nitro delivery (and contraindications read: viagra), we were allowed to "aid" in EPI but not administer.

I did a little bit more research on the subject... and other than COPD there are zero contraindications for O2... the question is, does someone need it or not. Suspected MI, cyanotic, give O2, can also be a good thing with bleeding and perfusion.

I think when it comes to O2, the biggest danger is someone sticking a nasal cannula into someone's face and then turning the O2 up as high as the regulator will go. Could cause pressure injuries.

Congrats on getting your RN cert. Are you going to be going on to bigger and better (physicians assistant?) or going to stick it out with nursing for a while?
 
^ +1

COPD is only a relative contraindication and is NEVER one in the emergent setting. The key is to watch the PT as it possibly can decrease their respiratory drive. This is very unlikely in the scope of most 911 settings as it generally takes a couple hours in the worst cases.
 
AMP, are you still certified as an EMT? FYI Washington State passed the Kastner Act that allows EMTs to administer Epi. I tried finding specific language but my google-fu is weak for some reason. What I seem to recall is EMTs can give it to anyone under 18 or if over 18 it must be their prescription. Of course the "rights" of medication administration apply.
RCW 18.73.250: Epinephrine ? Availability ? Administration.

Nwcid is correct about COPD but as he points out in an emergency who cares. We will sort them out at the hospital.

Thanks for the congrats. As for my post graduation plans a job is my goal. Eventually I'll get my BSN and by then should have an idea of what I want to do from there. I'm already in my mid 30s and have bad knees thanks to the military so I'm thinking nurse practicener or clinical nurse leader. PA is lots more schooling and frankly I prefer the level of autonomy that I have as an RN. Besides the patients like us better.
 
I took the EMT class and got my EMT-B more as a personal objective than actually having any intention of working in that field... I like having the ability to help people, but the way hospitals run both bothers and scares me. Also, out of all the screwed up horrible things I've seen in life, what still gets to me... are the slow stages of death when people die from illness. Traumatic injury doesn't even phase me, but seeing that "I know I'm going to die" look in peoples eyes puts me into some kind of deep introspective hell, with trauma you never have the time to wax poetic about the inevitability of death, not so much with illness.
 

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