First of all, a low O2 level is not an indicator for initiating mechanical ventilation. There are certain conditions for intubation, such as a Code (Asystole or heart stopped,) major trauma to the head or face, chest trauma ‘gun shot or stab wound,’ flail chest or multiple rib fracture, and a number of others.
Shortness of breath is not necessarily a reason to intubate. The best thing to do if time is available is to obtain an Arterial Blood Gas or ABG. In an active trauma center or ER, ABG results can be gotten in 10 minutes or fewer. The blood draw might take 30 seconds, and the analysis can take most ‘Readers’ another 30 seconds or so. It becomes minutes depending on Lab location and transport time.
An ABG consists of readings. Mainly they are the Ph, the PaO2, PaCo2, HCO3, O2Sat, and 1 or 2 other measures which are typically disregarded.
The first thing that is looked at is the Ph. It is extremely important. The 2nd thing is the PaCO2. PaCO2 is the partial pressure of Carbon Dioxide in the blood stream. These are usually the only 2 things that I ever care about. The other measures are relevant but in a trauma situation, that is what is being looked at. Of course often the other things must be considered, especially if the numbers are not absolutely definitive. Most times they are, but of course not always.
I can look at an ABG result and usually know within 5 seconds if intubation and mechanical ventilation is called for.
There are 4 Life Functions in Humans. The number one life function is Ventilation. Carbon Dioxide is the Index of Ventilation. If the CO2 level is elevated this can be a critical situation. CO2 must be eliminated from the body, this is the primary function of metabolism.
The number two life function is Oxygenation. You can give a person 100% Oxygen all the live long day, but if that CO2 is not getting out, it is pointless and that person will quickly expire.
The number three life function is Circulation.
The fourth is Perfusion.
I love discussing these things, but I prefer to not ‘take over’ threads. Anyone can feel free to FReepMail me on this stuff. I can try to explain things as I realize that questions will almost always arise. If I cannot answer, I probably know someone who can. .
If you've been paying attention, you could have see a lot of Hunter's Moon from Hunter's laptop.
Later in month when the moon wanes to about 10%, it's known as The Big Guy Moon.
Thanks for posting that.
I have all the common tools to measure O2 level, heart rate, arrhythmia, a-fib and blood pressure for Dad..
Are there handy tools available to check someone’s internal ventilation, ie. CO2 level?
Or other useful levels?
I want my D@mn Tricorder! 🐸