Definition & Operational Usage
Oxygen saturation (SpO2) quantifies the proportion of hemoglobin in arterial blood that is bound to oxygen, reflecting the efficiency of pulmonary gas exchange. This measurement is typically obtained non-invasively via a pulse oximeter, which is often applied to a patient's finger or earlobe. Not to be confused with arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, which provides a more comprehensive assessment of blood gases. In the context of EMS operations, accurate monitoring of oxygen saturation is critical during patient assessment and triage, particularly in respiratory distress scenarios.
Category context: Patient care, assessment, interventions, triage, and EMS system terms commonly used by firefighter/medics.
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