What is the goal of using supplemental oxygen in trauma care?

Supplemental oxygen is a critical intervention in trauma care, with the primary goal being to ensure that the patient's tissues receive sufficient oxygen, particularly in traumatic situations where blood loss and hypoxia may occur. Maintaining an oxygen saturation level over 90% is essential because it indicates that the patient is receiving adequate oxygen to meet their metabolic needs.

A saturation level above 90% is often used as a clinical target because it minimizes the risk of hypoxia and organ dysfunction, which can lead to serious complications if not addressed. This level allows for some margin of safety while ensuring that the body is sufficiently oxygenated, especially in patients who may be in shock or have compromised respiratory function.

While higher saturation levels can be beneficial, aiming for levels unnecessarily close to or above 100% can lead to oxygen toxicity, especially with prolonged exposure. Therefore, setting the target around 90% strikes a vital balance between effectiveness and safety in the management of trauma patients.