-> AB>Where we have found that Sa O2 readings to be most mistunderstood
-> AB>with CHF patients in the early stages of failure.  The medic would
-> AB>assess the patient with acute distress and reguard the Sa O2 level
-> AB>be acceptable we in fact that is not the case.
->
-> Just another case of looking at a device, and not the patient.
-> Especially in failure, the patient can and often does just "look" a
-> lot worse than the equipment tells you they are.
->
-> Gary
->
       It works both ways. I had a baby at work, (Cook Children's
Hospital, F.W., Tx.) with "normal" skin color. In fact, I just asked the
nurse if she needed any help. She wanted me to "fix" the oximeter
because it was only reading 43%. About that time we both noticed that
the baby wasn't breathing.
 Point is: you should use your tools to help you but don't overlook the
patient. Oximeters can be great if you let them.
   James Nold EMT-P
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