Optional, AEMT

Objectives Describe importance of oxygen to body metabolism Understand oximetry assesses oxygen saturation of

hemoglobin Understand oximetry can show effectiveness of

interventions Know oximetry is a routine vital sign Know procedures of application and reading

oximetry Determine sights for application of oximetry Define possible complications with oximetry Describe possible troubleshooting Describe transport of oxygen in body Understanding that hemoglobin reflects light

differently with and without oxygen

OxygenEssential for human functionNecessary for proper cellular metabolism

Without oxygen, lactic acid builds from anaerobic metabolism

Oxygen transportAbout 2% of oxygen gets dissolved in plasmaOxygen is bound to hemoglobin in blood(98%)

Hemoglobin changes shape and color with oxygen Each hemoglobin can carry four oxygen molecules

Pulse OximetryMeasures oxygen saturation of hemoglobin

Infrared and Red light emitted into tissue Sensor then reads amount returned to photo detector

Hemoglobin reflects light differently when oxygenated vs. not oxygenated

Saturation is measured with each pulse as blood passes

Purpose of Pulse OximetryMeasure oxygenation of bloodAssess the effectiveness of oxygen

administrationAssess effectiveness of any other airway or

breathing interventions

Indications for Pulse OximetryShould be routine vital sign

So have a reading with every set of vitals

Continued monitoring should occur in anyone having respiratory compromiseSuch as those with: COPD,

emphysema, pulmonary edema, airway obstruction, etc.

Application of Pulse OximetryConsult directions from manufacture for

specific application guidelinesGeneral application:

Turn on unit Select proper sensorPlace proper sensor on an area of thin tissue

Fingers, toes, ear lobes, bridge of noseAllow a few seconds for monitor to read

saturation and pulse

Readings of Pulse OximetryReadings are measured in SpO2

ex. SpO2 is 98%

Average reading is 95-99%Acceptable range is 93-100%

Oximetry will also give a pulse reading

Finger Tip

Hand Held“Table Top”

This page does not endorse any company, all pictures are intended for educational purposes only

•Finger tip and hand held are most common on ambulance

•Pulse oximeters are made by many companies

Sensors for Pulse Oximeters

Many different sensors for pulse oximeters

•Standard finger sensors

•Wrap around sticker sensors

•Wrap around silicone sensors

Complications With OximetryHypoperfusion

Not enough blood in capillary bed to obtain accurate reading

Site is too coldPatient movement can alter effectivenessNail polishCarbon monoxide poisoning

Hemoglobin gets saturated with compounds other than oxygen

Troubleshooting OximetrySee specific directions from manufactures

for your device. Here are some generals:Will not turn on: check batteriesNot obtaining a reading:

Make sure sensor cable is connected to monitorMake sure sensor is on warm and thin tissueCheck for nail polish, grease, etc.Could be a low batteryBlood flow too low (make sure you’re not

causing it: BP cuffs, IV tourniquet)Constant alarms:

Alarm limits may be to high or low

SummaryOxygen is essential to body for metabolism

(prevents lactic acid)Oximetry assesses oxygen saturation of

hemoglobin, not sum of oxygen in bloodOximetry can be used to know if interventions

are effectiveOximetry is a vital signOximetry is applied using correct sensor Normal reading are SpO2 between 95-99%

Summary cont.Oximetry is placed over thin tissueOximetry can have many complications

Polish, cold, hypoperfusion, movement . . .Troubleshoot if monitor not working, or if

reading doesn’t seem rightOxygen is transported by hemoglobinHemoglobin changes shape and color causing

light to reflect differently