Primary care paramedics provide symptom relief and advanced emergency care. They can administer medications for:
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Pain relief (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, ketorolac)
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Chest pain and heart failure (aspirin, nitroglycerin)
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Diabetic emergencies (dextrose, glucagon, glucose paste)
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Allergic reactions and severe asthma (diphenhydramine, epinephrine, dexamethasone)
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Nausea and vomiting (ondansetron)
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Opioid overdoses (naloxone)
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IV fluids (normal saline)
They are also able to:
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Start intravenous lines (IVs)
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Use semi-automated defibrillators
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Interpret 12-lead ECGs to recognize heart attacks and redirect patients to the most appropriate hospital
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Insert a supraglottic airway to help patients breathe