What are common indications for using oxygen therapy in ambulance settings?

Oxygen therapy is commonly indicated in cases of respiratory distress because it is a critical intervention that helps to increase the oxygen levels in the blood. When a patient is struggling to breathe or has compromised lung function, providing supplemental oxygen can alleviate hypoxia (low blood oxygen levels) and improve overall oxygenation of vital organs. This can be crucial in emergencies such as asthma exacerbations, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) flare-ups, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema, where the patient’s ability to oxygenate blood is impaired.

In contrast, while conditions like heart attacks can have a component of hypoxia, they may not always necessitate immediate oxygen therapy unless there are signs of respiratory distress or significant hypoxemia. Similarly, fractures and hypertension do not directly indicate a need for supplemental oxygen; these conditions focus more on stabilization, pain management, and blood pressure control rather than immediate oxygen administration. Thus, respiratory distress remains the primary indication for using oxygen therapy in ambulance settings.