There are two components to the management of respiratory failure:

1. Oxygen therapy Emergency management: oxygen therapy and appropriate oxygen delivery device.
2. Definitive diagnosis and treatment Definitive diagnosis and treatment of the underlying condition.

Oxygen therapy

If oxygen therapy is required you will need to determine how much oxygen to give the patient.

The patient’s SpO₂ levels will help you determine this.

Click on the different levels in the table below to find out more.

Please now take the time to read the BTS Guideline for Oxygen use in Adults in Healthcare and Emergency Settings created by the British Thoracic Society. This will give you more information on oxygen therapy and, in particular, the potential harms of oxygen therapy (e.g. in some patients with COPD).

• SpO₂ is normal
  • Oxygen is not required.
• SpO₂ is low
  • High flow oxygen in the short term will do little harm. It should be titrated quickly downwards using SpO₂ as a guide. Aim for SpO₂ of 88–92%.