SAFE ADMINISTRATION OF LIFE-SAVING MEDICATIONS (SALM)
Overview: The Qualsafe Level 3 Award in the Safe Administration of Lifesaving Medications (SALM) is a 2-day, practical course designed for professionals (often holding FREC4) to safely manage medications like adrenaline, GTN, aspirin, and naloxone in prehospital settings. Key topics include legislation, pharmacology, administration routes and dosage calculations, assessed through practical scenarios and theory exams.
What you'll learn
- Legislation and Clinical Governance: Understanding the Medicine Act 1968, Human Medicines Regulations (2012), policies, protocols.
- Pharmacology and Indications: Effects, side effects, contraindications, and dosage for medications including:
- Adrenaline (Anaphylaxis)
- GTN Spray (Angina)
- Salbutamol (Asthma)
- Entonox/Penthrox (Analgesia)
- Naloxone (Opioid Overdose)
- Glucose/Glucagon (Hypoglycaemia)
- Medication Administration Techniques: Safe handling, storage, disposal, and administration routes (e.g., intramuscular, intranasal).
- Patient Assessment & Monitoring: Conducting primary surveys, taking clinical observations (blood pressure), and monitoring response to treatment.
- Emergency Scenarios: Practical management of medical incidents including anaphylaxis, cardiac, and overdose scenario
Assessment Methods
Practical Assessments: Usually 5 direct observation scenarios (e.g., anaphylaxis, diabetic emergency, medication overdose).
- Theory Exam: Multiple-choice question (MCQ) paper.
- Calculations: A written paper specifically for dosage calculations.
Requirements
- Prerequisites: Generally requires a current FREC 4 (First Response Emergency Care) qualification or equivalent, and to be working in a CQC registered organisation.
- Duration: 2 Days.
- Validity: Requires regular CPD (Continuing Professional Development).