Oxygen question

[BayEMTmaybeP]

Hi All, I am looking for some assistance on a topic I am writing a paper on for class.

"Not too long ago, nearly all EMS patients received supplemental oxygen if they were in respiratory distress, or complained of shortness of breath. This practice has changed to providing oxygen to patients only if oxygen saturation levels were less than 94% on room air. This is especially true for patients who are experiencing acute myocardial infarction or stroke. Explain why this change occurred."

Can someone explain to me why this change took place?

Thanks

 

[VentMonkey]

You’re blatantly asking for help answering your homework question. Yeeeeah...no.

 

[CALEMT]

I don’t want to be THAT guy, but maybe check in your EMT book? Just a thought... it got me through paramedic school so...

 

[StCEMT]

Google.com

 

[Akulahawk]

I'm going to say that the answer has to do with physiology and what happens in/to the body when it gets supplemental oxygen. That should get you pointed in the right direction. To keep this thread from getting long-winded and full of unhelpful comments, I'm going to close this thread.