There is considerable controversy about the benefits and risks of oxygen treatment in many situations, and healthcare professionals receive conflicting advice about safe oxygen use. Most clinicians who deal with medical emergencies will encounter adverse incidents and occasional deaths due to underuse and overuse of oxygen.
This guideline covers the safe prescription and administration of emergency oxygen to all patients, focusing on the general hospital setting and is intended for all healthcare professionals who may be involved in emergency oxygen use in hospital. It summarises the key recommendations of the full guidelines on emergency oxygen use published by the British Thoracic Society (BTS), which aimed to encourage the safe use of oxygen and improve consistency in clinical practice. For specific recommendation on the use of oxygen in primary care and ambulance settings, refer to the full guideline.
This concise guideline was also published in Clinical Medicine, volume 11 issue 4.
The British Thoracic Society published updated guidance for oxygen use in healthcare and emergency settings in 2017.