Under which condition may an EMT administer aspirin to a patient?

Under which condition may an EMT administer aspirin to a patient?

• A. If patient has a fever
• B. If patient is experiencing a cardiac related event
• C. If patient complains of a headache
• D. If patient has a sprain

Answer: (B)

Aspirin is used in prehospital care as an antiplatelet medication during suspected acute coronary syndromes. When a patient is experiencing chest pain or other signs pointing to a heart attack, aspirin can be given to inhibit platelet aggregation and help limit clot growth, which improves blood flow to the heart. This should be done only if the patient is conscious and able to follow commands, not allergic to aspirin, not actively bleeding, not at high risk for bleeding, and not unable to swallow. The typical dose is chewable aspirin totaling about 162–325 mg so it acts quickly. It’s not given for fever, headache, or a sprain, since those situations do not involve a suspected cardiac event and aspirin would not be appropriate care in that context.

Aspirin is used in prehospital care as an antiplatelet medication during suspected acute coronary syndromes. When a patient is experiencing chest pain or other signs pointing to a heart attack, aspirin can be given to inhibit platelet aggregation and help limit clot growth, which improves blood flow to the heart. This should be done only if the patient is conscious and able to follow commands, not allergic to aspirin, not actively bleeding, not at high risk for bleeding, and not unable to swallow. The typical dose is chewable aspirin totaling about 162–325 mg so it acts quickly. It’s not given for fever, headache, or a sprain, since those situations do not involve a suspected cardiac event and aspirin would not be appropriate care in that context.