Credits Hours: 1.25

Course Description:
New and effective cardiac drugs are being introduced on a regular basis. Because cardiovascular drugs are routinely administered by the paramedic in the prehospital setting, it is important to remain informed of the most current pharmacological agents available for a positive patient outcome through local medical control and continuing education.

This course addresses the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and common classifications of drugs used to treat cardiac arrhythmias. It covers the actions of common antiarrhythmic drugs, as well as other cardiac medications that are commonly used in the prehospital setting.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Describe the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and common classifications of drugs used to treat cardiac arrhythmias.
• Describe the actions of common antiarrhythmic drugs.
• Identify the cardiac medications that are commonly used in the prehospital setting, along with their mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, and dosage.
• Formulate an appropriate pharmacological treatment plan for managing the cardiac patient, given a list of symptoms and signs garnered from a primary assessment.