What should EMTs monitor when assessing a patient for oxygen administration post-poisoning?

Monitoring SpO2 levels and patient symptoms is crucial for EMTs when assessing a patient for oxygen administration post-poisoning because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s respiratory status and overall wellbeing. SpO2 levels, which indicate the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen in the blood, help EMTs determine whether the patient is receiving adequate oxygenation. Measuring these levels can guide decisions regarding the need for supplemental oxygen.

In addition to SpO2 readings, observing patient symptoms is equally important. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, altered mental status, or cyanosis can indicate the severity of the poisoning and the body’s response to it. This combination of objective data (like SpO2) and subjective observations (the patient’s reported symptoms) allows EMTs to make informed decisions about treatment and intervention right away.

Other considerations like heart rate, visual distress signs, or a history of previous reactions to poisons can provide helpful context, but they do not offer the same immediate indications of the need for oxygen therapy or the overall status of the patient's respiratory function in the context of a poisoning incident.