What does a pulse oximeter measure?

A pulse oximeter is a non-invasive medical device that primarily measures the oxygen saturation level in the blood, specifically the percentage of hemoglobin molecules in the blood that are saturated with oxygen. This measurement provides valuable information about a patient's respiratory efficiency and overall oxygenation status.

Oxygen saturation is important because it indicates how well oxygen is being transported from the lungs to the body's tissues. A normal reading typically ranges from 95% to 100%, and lower levels may suggest conditions like respiratory distress or hypoxia. The use of a pulse oximeter is instrumental in various medical scenarios, especially in acute care settings, where monitoring oxygen levels can guide treatment decisions and interventions.

Understanding this concept is crucial for combat medics, as they often encounter trauma patients or individuals with compromised respiratory function, making the ability to assess oxygen saturation quickly and effectively vital for patient care.