Which medication is specifically used by AEMTs to treat asthma attacks?

Albuterol is specifically used by AEMTs to treat asthma attacks due to its classification as a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist. This medication functions by relaxing the muscles in the airways, leading to bronchial dilation and improved airflow, which is critical during an asthma attack where airway constriction is prominent. Albuterol acts quickly, typically within minutes, providing rapid relief from acute symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness associated with asthma.

The other medications listed do not serve this purpose. Aspirin is primarily used to reduce pain and inflammation, and to inhibit platelet aggregation in certain cardiac events, but it does not address the bronchodilation needed in asthma. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator used for chest pain or heart-related issues, and it also does not relieve asthma symptoms. Atropine, while it can be used in some respiratory conditions, primarily serves to increase heart rate and does not act specifically to alleviate bronchospasm like albuterol does. Thus, albuterol is the appropriate choice for treating asthma attacks among the options provided.