What is the standard adult dose of aspirin for chest pain in EMS?

• A. 81 mg aspirin
• B. 500 mg aspirin
• C. 325 mg chewable aspirin (or 162-325 mg if only one tablet is available), chewed and swallowed
• D. 650 mg aspirin

Answer: (C)

In suspected cardiac chest pain, aspirin is given to quickly inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce mortality. The fastest and most effective way is a loading dose of about 162–325 mg that is chewed to speed absorption. The standard practical dose is 325 mg of chewable aspirin, but if only one tablet is available, 162–325 mg can be used. If four 81 mg tablets are available, chewing all four (about 324 mg) achieves the same effect. Higher single doses like 500 mg or 650 mg do not improve outcomes and raise bleeding risk, so they’re not used.