How do paramedics assess a patient's respiratory distress?

To assess a patient's respiratory distress, measuring oxygen saturation levels is a crucial step. Oxygen saturation indicates how well oxygen is being transported in the bloodstream, which is essential for gauging a patient’s respiratory status. In situations where a patient is experiencing respiratory distress, low oxygen saturation levels can signal that they are not getting enough oxygen, which warrants immediate attention and potential intervention.

In addition to oxygen saturation, a thorough assessment may also involve observing the patient's breathing patterns, effort, and overall appearance, but the measurement of oxygen saturation provides quantifiable data to guide treatment decisions. This objective measure is vital for paramedics to understand whether a patient needs supplemental oxygen or other interventions.

Assessing other factors such as skin temperature, verbal communication, or a patient’s ability to walk can provide additional context about a patient's overall health but are not direct measures of respiratory function. These aspects might help in forming a complete picture of the patient’s condition, but they do not effectively indicate the presence or severity of respiratory distress on their own.