South Dakota EMS Protocols Practice Exam

In suspected cardiac-origin chest pain, oxygen is a therapy to be used only as needed, not routinely at high levels. The goal is to keep the patient’s oxygen saturation in the mid-to-high 90s to ensure adequate oxygen delivery to the heart without risking the harms of hyperoxia. A target around 94-98% provides enough oxygen for myocardial tissue while avoiding potential adverse effects of excess oxygen, such as vasoconstriction and oxygen toxicity. If the patient is not hypoxic (SpO2 at or above about 94%), supplemental oxygen is not routinely required. If Spo2 drops below 94% or there are signs of hypoxia or respiratory distress, administer oxygen and reassess. In patients with COPD or known chronic hypoxemia, a lower target (e.g., 88-92%) may be appropriate and should be titrated carefully.