If poisoning occurs via injection, when should oxygen be administered?

Administering oxygen in cases of poisoning via injection should indeed be determined based on both the signs and symptoms exhibited by the patient as well as their oxygen saturation levels (SpO2). This approach is crucial because it allows the EMT to assess the patient's overall condition and understand the severity of the poisoning.

In instances of poisoning, various factors can influence the patient's need for oxygen. For example, if the patient displays respiratory distress, altered mental status, or other concerning signs, that would necessitate oxygen administration regardless of specific SpO2 readings. Conversely, a stable patient with mild symptoms and acceptable SpO2 levels may not require immediate oxygen therapy.

This multifactorial assessment ensures that oxygen is provided when truly needed, optimizing patient care by preventing potential complications that can arise from both hypoxia and unnecessary treatments. A patient with normal SpO2 may not need supplemental oxygen, while someone showing signs of significant distress or low oxygen saturation levels would clearly require it. Thus, monitoring both the clinical presentation and vital signs is essential in guiding the appropriate administration of oxygen in poisoning cases.