Supplemental Oxygen Requirements of Critically Injured Adults: An Observational Trial

Abstract

There is significant opportunity to reduce the need for high-flow oxygen delivery to the battlespace.

Oxygen Conservation Methods With Automated Titration

“…[5][6][7][8][9][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]19 An S pO 2 target of 88-92% reduced mortality in patients with respiratory distress in comparison with current practices of an S pO 2 frequently > 92% and oxygen flows ranging from 8 to 15 L/min. 8,9,10,15,19 In most cases, the frequent liberal use of oxygen leads to detrimental consequences, 6,7,9,11,14,17,[19][20][21][22] particularly in patients with trauma or respiratory distress and during myocardial infarction. 5,9,[21][22][23] Safety as well as logistical issues are relevant to oxygen administration in emergency transportation and in military medical facilities.…”

“…3,4 Oxygen is frequently used to correct hypoxemia, defined in the latest guidelines as a S pO 2 < 90% for the general population and < 88% for COPD patients, 5,6 in military and non-military settings. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] In 2015, Johannigman et al 12 reported that 90% of military subjects experienced at least one desaturation event with an S pO 2 < 90% and that more than half of the subjects had S pO 2 values < 85% during aeromedical evacuations. Numerous studies have highlighted the requirement for accurate oxygen administration to avoid both hypoxemia and hyperoxemia.…”

“…5,9,[21][22][23] Safety as well as logistical issues are relevant to oxygen administration in emergency transportation and in military medical facilities. 9,14,15 As an example, oxygen containers and oxygen-generation equipment were estimated to be between 15% and 30% of the logistics footprint of a deployed combat medical asset. 13,14 In Operation Iraqi Freedom alone, it is estimated that 90 tons of compressed oxygen were required each month.…”