BTS guideline for oxygen use in adults in healthcare and emergency settings

Additional comments RecommendationsCardiac arrest or resuscitation Refer to resuscitation guidelines for choice of delivery device during active resuscitation.Give highest possible inspired oxygen concentration during CPR until spontaneous circulation has been restored.Recommendation E1 Shock, sepsis, major trauma, drowning, anaphylaxis, major pulmonary haemorrhage, status epilepticus Also give specific treatment for the underlying condition Recommendations E2-E4 Major head injury Early tracheal intubation and ventilation if comatose Recommendation E5 Carbon monoxide poisoningGive as much oxygen as possible using a bag-valve mask or reservoir mask.Check carboxyhaemoglobin levels.A normal or high oximetry reading should be disregarded because saturation monitors cannot differentiate between carboxyhaemoglobin and oxyhaemoglobin, owing to their similar absorbances.The blood gas PO2 will also be normal in these cases (despite the presence of tissue hypoxia).Recommendation E6 COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation; PO 2 , oxygen tension arterial or arterialised blood gases.i2