Conversions and Calculations for EMS

All that math! Here is a brief review of some commonly used calculations and conversions in emergency medical services.

Equivalents	Abbreviations
1 kilogram = 2.20 pounds 1 pound = 0.45359237 kilograms 1 cc = 1 mL °C = (°F-32) x .5556 15 mL = 1 Tablespoon 5 mL = 1 teaspoon 30 mL = 1 fluid ounce	°C = degrees Celsius/centigrade cc = cubic centimeter dL = deciliter °F = degrees Farenheit gtts = drips kg = kilogram L = liter lb = pound mcg or µg = microgram mg = milligram mL = milliliter mmHg = millimeters of mercury

Conversions

Pounds-to-Kilograms and Kilograms-to-Pounds Table

Body and Climate Temperature Conversion Charts, Wilderness Emergency Medical Services Institute

Calculations

Drip Rate: (mL to be given divided by minutes) x drip set = gtts

The Parkland Formula is a commonly accepted fluid resuscitation formula for burn patients. It calls for 2 to 4 mL of Ringer's lactate x pt. weight in kg x percent BSA burned = mL in 24 hours, with half being given in the first 8 hours.

Example: 3 mL x 70 kg (approx. 150 lbs.) x 18 (not .18) = 3780 mL given in 24 hours (1890 mL given in first 8 hours)

Dopamine Calculation Methods, El Dorado County (CO) Emergency Medical Services - provides PDFs of both the clock and chart methods for calculating dopamine doses.
Dynamic Drip Rate Table Creation Tool, GlobalRPh.com

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Updated 09.23.04

"Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes."
—Oscar Wilde