Description
Paramedic-specific pharmacology updated to include primary care and palliative??practice
As paramedic roles expand into primary care and end-of-life settings, pharmacological knowledge must keep pace. Now in its Second Edition, Fundamentals of Pharmacology for Paramedics delivers profession-specific coverage of pharmacology and medicine optimisation. Written by a team of experienced academics and registered paramedics, this edition has been comprehensively revised to align with the latest evidence-based guidelines and contemporary practice developments.
Now expanded to 20 chapters, high-quality colour illustrations and a student-centred style ensure clarity and practical application across all topics.
Readers will find:
- Three new chapters addressing end-of-life medications, pharmacology in primary care, and emergency medications to??reflect expanded paramedic roles
- Practice exercises and interactive activities embedded throughout each chapter to reinforce pharmacological concepts and support clinical reasoning development
- Case studies and clinical flags that connect pharmacological principles directly to real-world paramedic decision-making scenarios in diverse care settings
- Accessible educational design supporting visual learners and facilitating rapid comprehension of complex pharmacological mechanisms
Designed for pre-registration student paramedics and newly qualified practitioners, Fundamentals of Pharmacology for Paramedics provides the profession-specific pharmacological knowledge required for safe medication practice. It also serves as a reliable reference for NHS ambulance trusts seeking to support evidence-based clinical standards across their workforce.
Table of Contents
Contributors xi
Preface xvi
Acknowledgements xviii
Prefixes, suffixes and abbreviations xix
Chapter 1 Introduction to pharmacology 1
Suzanne Evans
Chapter 2 How to use pharmaceutical and prescribing reference guides 16
Jennifer Dod and Nigel Conway
Chapter 3 Legal and ethical issues 33
Claire Leader, Emma Senior, Deborah Flynn, and Paul Younger
Chapter 4 Medicines management and the role of the paramedic 48
Daniel Monk, Paul Younger, and Annette Hand
Chapter 5 Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics 63
Ian Peate
Chapter 6 Drug formulations 81
Sarah Dineen-Griffin and Kristin Xenos
Chapter 7 Adverse drug reactions 99
Matt Dixon
Chapter 8 Analgesics and anaesthetics 114
Tom Mallinson and Fenella Corrick
Chapter 9 Antibacterials 138
Deborah Flynn, Eleanor Brown, Elliot Tyler, and Dawn Ball
Chapter 10 Medications used in the cardiovascular system 165
Lisa Clegg
Chapter 11 Medications used in the renal system 179
Anthony Kitchener
Chapter 12 Medications and diabetes mellitus 202
Hayley Croft and Olivia Thornton
Chapter 13 Medications used in the respiratory system 220
Lisa Clegg
Chapter 14 Medications used in the gastrointestinal system 237
David Brent
Chapter 15 Medication and the nervous system 256
Suzanne Evans
Chapter 16 Medications used in mental health 273
James A. Woollacott
Chapter 17 Palliative and end-of-life care 293
Jennifer J. Schneider and Susan M. Newton
Chapter 18 Immunisations 308
Michael Fanner
Chapter 19 Pharmacology in primary care 328
Daniel Weller and Lisa Clegg
Chapter 20 Emergency medications 343
Cole S. Tideswell
Answers 360
Index 363
