Every Medication an EMT-B Can Administer (2025 Scope)

EMT-B medication scope is narrower than many students think, and that is a good thing for exam prep. You do not need to learn ALS drug boxes to pass an EMT-B exam. You need to know your approved medications, indications, contraindications, route, dose, and when local protocol or medical direction matters.

The core list is oxygen, aspirin, oral glucose, epinephrine auto-injector, albuterol MDI assistance, nitroglycerin assistance, naloxone in most states, and activated charcoal where authorized.

Oxygen

Oxygen is used for hypoxia, respiratory distress, shock, altered mental status, chest pain, and other situations where oxygenation is a concern. Choose delivery based on the patient: nasal cannula for mild need, nonrebreather for high-flow oxygen, and BVM with oxygen when ventilation is inadequate.

Aspirin

Aspirin is commonly given as 324 mg PO, chewed, for suspected cardiac chest pain when there are no contraindications. Check allergy, active bleeding, signs of stroke, and local protocol. Pediatric patients should not receive aspirin.

Oral glucose

Oral glucose is for a hypoglycemic patient who is conscious, able to swallow, and has an intact gag reflex. It is not for an unconscious patient. If the patient cannot swallow or has severe altered mental status, request ALS and support airway and breathing.

Epinephrine auto-injector

Epinephrine via auto-injector is indicated for anaphylaxis per protocol. Adult dose is commonly 0.3 mg IM. Pediatric auto-injector dose is commonly 0.15 mg for children under 30 kg. Severe allergic reactions can deteriorate fast, so oxygen, positioning, ALS request, and transport remain important.

Albuterol MDI assistance

At EMT-B level, albuterol is commonly assistance with the patient's prescribed MDI, depending on protocol. It is used for bronchospasm with wheezing. Watch for tachycardia and reassess breathing after administration.

Nitroglycerin assistance

Nitroglycerin is typically assistance with the patient's prescribed medication for chest pain, with protocol requirements. Check systolic blood pressure, recent PDE-5 inhibitor use, and medical direction rules. Reassess blood pressure after each dose.

Naloxone

Naloxone is authorized for EMT-B use in many states for suspected opioid overdose with respiratory depression. Routes commonly include intranasal or intramuscular. The goal is improved ventilation, not perfect alertness. Continue airway support and reassess.

Activated charcoal

Activated charcoal is state-variable and often requires medical direction. It may be used for certain ingestions with an intact gag reflex and within an appropriate time window. It is not for altered mental status, absent gag reflex, corrosives, petroleum products, or inability to swallow.

What is not EMT-B medication scope

Adenosine, amiodarone, atropine, dopamine, IV fluids, sedatives, and other ALS medications are not EMT-B medications. On the exam, the EMT-B response to ALS medication need is recognition, support, ALS request, transport, and documentation.