Prevalence of prehospital hypoxemia and oxygen use in trauma patients.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study estimates the prevalence of injured patients requiring prehospital supplemental oxygen based on existing recommendations, and determines whether actual use exceeds those recommendations.

Patients and methods

Prehospital oxygen use and continuous peripheral oxygen saturation measurements were prospectively collected on a purposive sample of injured civilians transported to an urban level 1 trauma center by paramedics. Structured chart review determined injury characteristics and outcomes. Supplemental oxygen administration indications were hypoxemia (peripheral oxygen saturation ≤ 90%), hemorrhagic shock (systolic blood pressure < 100 mmHg), or paramedic suspicion of traumatic brain injury.

Results

Paramedics enrolled 224/290 screened subjects. Med

SUBMITTER: McMullan J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4122126 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature