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> * How do I become an EMT/Paramedic?
> * What to expect on my first day/ride-along?
> * Does anyone have any EMT books/boots/gear/gift suggestions?
> * How do I pass the NREMT?
> * Employment, hiring, volunteering, protocol, recertification, or training-related questions, regardless of clinical scope.
> * Where can I obtain continuing education (CE) units?
> * My first bad call, how to cope?
Please consider posting these types of questions in /r/NewToEMS.
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I wrote flash cards, made myself recall 3 drugs every 15-30mins regardless what I’m doing. Taking a shit: 3 drugs of the week, eating: 3 drugs, driving to work: 3 drugs. Doing dru… I mean relaxing: 3 drugs.
Look at the med box, point and shoot with name, MOA, indication/contra, side effects, dose per national/dose per protocol, class of drug, pregnancy caution.
To add more spice, name the monitoring needed after said medication, cardiac, mental status, pain, respiratory etc.
Rote memorization only goes so far. Researching and learning the pharmacokinetics and related pathophysiologies will do you far more than memorizing numbers.
This is the right answer. Start this now. Remembering doses is for tests. Learning the medications is how you know when and why to give a medication in the real world.
Went to medic school a longgggg time ago but I always tried to make it fun. Like midazolam I would think sounds like my days so lame..must be a benzo lol
Just like with everything, learn the why. I couldn't tell you the Ativan dose off the top of my head, but I know what it is, how it works, and how to find the things (like dose) that I don't know.
Understanding the why behind things goes a long way in forming an assessment or treatment plan when you need to deviate from the norm.
I did my AEMT nearly 10 years ago, and obviously we had far fewer meds, but I made flashcards and carried them in my backpack everywhere I went. Any time we had a break or down time, my friends and I would go over them.
You can also download the quizlet app and do that, this way you’re not fucked if you lose a card etc.
First, separate them into categories. Intubation drugs, sedation, cardiology, airway, etc.
Then, experiment with different learning methods to learn each category. Word association is a favorite of mine.
Think of the drug and then associate a familiar word with it that will help you remember it.
Here's an example that's not pharmacology related, but the method still applies all the same:
Important Immunoglobulins (antibodies) are IgG, IgM, and IgE. To remember these:
"IgE" - Has E in the name, like Epi. Epi is used for allergic reactions. Ige is released during allergic reactions.
"IgG" - GG like in "good game". When it's good game, it's over. Igg is the "game ender." Its the strong immunoglobulin released to "end" infection.
"IgM" - M like Madame. Ladies go first. M is the first immunoglobulin that appears in an infection.
The same methodology, a proven study technique, can be applied to almost anything.
This post violates our Rule #3: > Do not ask basic, newbie, or frequently asked questions, including, but not limited to: > > * How do I become an EMT/Paramedic? > * What to expect on my first day/ride-along? > * Does anyone have any EMT books/boots/gear/gift suggestions? > * How do I pass the NREMT? > * Employment, hiring, volunteering, protocol, recertification, or training-related questions, regardless of clinical scope. > * Where can I obtain continuing education (CE) units? > * My first bad call, how to cope? Please consider posting these types of questions in /r/NewToEMS. [Wiki](/r/NewToEMS/wiki/index) | [FAQ](http://faq.redditems.com) | [Helpful Links & Resources](/r/NewToEMS/wiki/index) | [Search /r/EMS](/r/ems/search) | [Search /r/NewToEMS](/r/newtoems/search) | [Posting Rules](/r/ems/comments/7lau3j/welcome_to_rems_read_this_before_posting/)
I wrote flash cards, made myself recall 3 drugs every 15-30mins regardless what I’m doing. Taking a shit: 3 drugs of the week, eating: 3 drugs, driving to work: 3 drugs. Doing dru… I mean relaxing: 3 drugs. Look at the med box, point and shoot with name, MOA, indication/contra, side effects, dose per national/dose per protocol, class of drug, pregnancy caution. To add more spice, name the monitoring needed after said medication, cardiac, mental status, pain, respiratory etc.
This is the most helpful advice I’ve got so far. Thank you! I will definitely be doing this.
I second the cards. I'd always have a few with me, so I could study any time.
Rote memorization only goes so far. Researching and learning the pharmacokinetics and related pathophysiologies will do you far more than memorizing numbers.
This is the right answer. Start this now. Remembering doses is for tests. Learning the medications is how you know when and why to give a medication in the real world.
Went to medic school a longgggg time ago but I always tried to make it fun. Like midazolam I would think sounds like my days so lame..must be a benzo lol
Woah black Betty...midazolam!
Just like with everything, learn the why. I couldn't tell you the Ativan dose off the top of my head, but I know what it is, how it works, and how to find the things (like dose) that I don't know. Understanding the why behind things goes a long way in forming an assessment or treatment plan when you need to deviate from the norm.
Anki is your friend.
I did my AEMT nearly 10 years ago, and obviously we had far fewer meds, but I made flashcards and carried them in my backpack everywhere I went. Any time we had a break or down time, my friends and I would go over them. You can also download the quizlet app and do that, this way you’re not fucked if you lose a card etc.
First, separate them into categories. Intubation drugs, sedation, cardiology, airway, etc. Then, experiment with different learning methods to learn each category. Word association is a favorite of mine. Think of the drug and then associate a familiar word with it that will help you remember it. Here's an example that's not pharmacology related, but the method still applies all the same: Important Immunoglobulins (antibodies) are IgG, IgM, and IgE. To remember these: "IgE" - Has E in the name, like Epi. Epi is used for allergic reactions. Ige is released during allergic reactions. "IgG" - GG like in "good game". When it's good game, it's over. Igg is the "game ender." Its the strong immunoglobulin released to "end" infection. "IgM" - M like Madame. Ladies go first. M is the first immunoglobulin that appears in an infection. The same methodology, a proven study technique, can be applied to almost anything.