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TL;DR

Oxygen Delivery Devices: Range of devices: nasal cannula, simple mask, partial rebreather, non-rebreather, Venturi mask, and BVM.

By Valenke Exam Prep Team·Last updated 2026-06-02

Oxygen Delivery Devices

NREMT EMTNREMT PARAMEDIC

Definition

Range of devices: nasal cannula, simple mask, partial rebreather, non-rebreather, Venturi mask, and BVM.

Key Values & Ranges

Key values and ranges relevant to oxygen delivery devices in prehospital care:

ParameterAdultPediatric
ETCO235-45 mmHg35-45 mmHg
blood glucose70-140 mg/dL60-100 mg/dL (neonates lower)
respiratory rate12-20 breaths/min25-50 (infant), 15-30 (child)
blood pressure90/60-120/80 mmHg70+(2*age) systolic minimum

Related Procedures

Procedures related to oxygen delivery devices in the EMS setting:

  1. Spinal motion restriction: mechanism + neuro deficit or midline tenderness = full SMR with C-collar and long board
  2. STEMI protocol: 12-lead ECG within 10 min then aspirin 324mg then NTG if SBP >90 then notify cath lab then transport code 3
  3. RSI sequence: preoxygenation then sedation (etomidate 0.3mg/kg or ketamine 2mg/kg) then paralytic (succinylcholine 1.5mg/kg or rocuronium 1mg/kg) then intubation then confirm placement with waveform capnography

Safety Considerations

Field safety for oxygen delivery devices includes scene assessment before patient contact. Ensure BSI (body substance isolation) precautions are in place. PPE selection depends on the mechanism and suspected pathogens. Gloves are the minimum; add mask and eye protection for splash risk, N95 for airborne pathogens.

Never approach a scene involving hazardous materials, violence, or structural instability without proper resources and clearance from incident command.

Assessment Techniques

Assessment techniques for oxygen delivery devices:

Cincinnati Stroke Scale
Components: Facial droop, Arm drift, Speech abnormality. Scoring: Any 1 positive = 72% probability of stroke
APGAR
Components: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration. Scoring: 0-10 at 1 and 5 minutes, under 7 needs intervention
SAMPLE
Components: Signs/symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last intake, Events. Scoring: Mnemonic for patient history gathering

Why It Matters

Device selection based on patient needs tested on EMT exam.

Related Terms

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Frequently Asked Questions

What protocol applies to oxygen delivery devices in prehospital care?
For oxygen delivery devices: AHA ACLS cardiac arrest algorithm: CPR then rhythm check then shock if VF/pVT then epinephrine q3-5min then amiodarone
What assessment tools help evaluate oxygen delivery devices?
For oxygen delivery devices: OPQRST: evaluates Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Time; scoring is Pain assessment mnemonic. Cincinnati Stroke Scale: evaluates Facial droop, Arm drift, Speech abnormality; scoring is Any 1 positive = 72% probability of stroke.
What medications are commonly associated with oxygen delivery devices?
For oxygen delivery devices: atropine: 0.5mg IV q3-5min, max 3mg, route IV/IO, for Symptomatic bradycardia. epinephrine: 1:10,000 1mg IV/IO q3-5min (cardiac arrest), 1:1,000 0.3mg IM (anaphylaxis), route IV/IO, IM, ET, for Cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, severe asthma.