Page 160 - 2026 SMOG

OXYGEN
Class
• Atmospheric gas
Mechanism of Action
• Reverses hypoxemia
Duration of Action
• Onset: immediate.
• Peak effect: not applicable.
• Duration: less than 2min.
Indications
• All causes of decreased tissue oxygenation and/or decreased level of consciousness. (Confirmed
or expected hypoxemia, ischemic chest pain, respiratory insufficiency, prophylactically during
air transport, as an antidote for confirmed or suspected carbon monoxide poisoning).
Contraindications
• COPD patients may become hypopneic with high O flow rates due to oxygen baroreceptor
2
respiratory drive (relative contraindication).
Adverse Reactions
• Potential oxygen toxicity in hyperbaric environments; cerebral vasoconstriction.
Drug Interactions
• None
Dosage and Administration
• Assure adequate ventilation (spontaneous or supported) and supplemental oxygen therapy,
ideally by end tidal CO measurement (Goal EtCO 35–45).
2
2
• All critically ill and injured transport patients will receive supplemental oxygen to maintain
SpO of >94%.
2
• Administer oxygen 2–6 LPM via nasal cannula.
˚ If O Saturation remains <94%, apply a non-rebreather face mask with oxygen at 15 LPM.
2
If O Saturation remains <90%, refer to AIRWAY PROTOCOL.
˚
2
• Patient on Ventilator
˚ Refer to VENTILATOR MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL
• When planning for available O during non pressurized, aeromedical transfer, ensure adequate
2
resources to provide 1.5–2 times the ground transport volume of O to compensate for increased
2
consumption associated with altitude-related physiological impact.

152 • MEDICATIONS