Course Overview

Successful Learners will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to safely provide lifesaving medication at emergency or life-threatening incidents. Topics covered include: common types of lifesaving medication, determining a patient’s condition, guidelines and protocols relevant to the administration of lifesaving medication.

While achievement of this qualification confirms Learners have met both the theoretical and practical requirements, this does not imply a ‘license to practice’ – the scope of practice will be determined by the organisation responsible for medication provision. This qualification does not allow a Learner to obtain, store or medicate without clinical governance.

Drugs covered:

• Activated charcoal
• Adrenaline 1:1000
• Aspirin
• Cetirizine hydrochloride
• Chlorphenamine
• Clopidogrel
• Dexamethasone
• Glucagon
• Glucogel
• Glyceryl trinitrate
• Hydrocortisone
• Ipratropium bromide
• Loratadine
• Midazolam/buccal
• Naloxone hydrochloride (Narcan)
• Salbutamol

Assessment Methods

5 x Practical assessments/skills tests and 1 x Theory assessment (learner workbook).

Entry Requirements

Learners who wish to undertake the QA Level 3 Award in the Safe Administration of Lifesaving Medication (RQF) must be employed by a CQC registered organisation and have successfully completed the QA Level 4 Certificate in First Response Emergency Care (RQF) or a QA recognised equivalent qualification.

What’s Covered

• Legislation, guidelines, policies, and protocols
  Administering lifesaving medication Common types of lifesaving medication, including:
• Their effects and potential side effects.
• Physiological measurements before and after administering lifesaving medication.
• Common adverse reactions.
• Different drug routes for the administration of lifesaving medication
• Determining a patient’s condition to help distinguish the correct lifesaving medication.
• Demonstrating the safe and effective administration of lifesaving medication in a prehospital environment.
• Assessing, monitoring and reviewing the effects of lifesaving medication.