How to assist with nitroglycerin
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.
Nitroglycerin relieves chest pain but can drop blood pressure. Check before each dose.
Step by step
Confirm
Prescribed to the patient, not expired, medical direction. [1]
Blood pressure
Systolic above the protocol limit (often 100 mmHg). [1]
Erectile dysfunction drugs
None in the last 24 to 48 hours. [1]
Give
One tablet or spray under the tongue. [1]
Reassess
Blood pressure and pain after each dose. [1]
Repeat
Every 5 minutes up to the protocol maximum (often 3). [1]
Common errors
- No blood pressure check.
- Missing sildenafil.
- Swallowing the tablet.
Practice it in VMS
In VMS you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
VMS cases that train this skill
Sources
Facts and steps follow NREMT psychomotor skill sheets (EMT and Paramedic); National EMS Education Standards (2021). VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.