Oxygen is used by paramedics to treat patients who are suffering breathing problems, or respiratory distress.
It is delivered normally through a mask, although nasal prongs can also be used in some instances. Oxygen is delivered at a rate of litres per minute and this can be adjusted depending on the patients condition.
Oxygen can be used in medical conditions such as asthma, chronic pulmonary diseases such as emphysema, severe influenza and cardiac conditions such as heart attack or angina. It is also useful in trauma injuries such as a collapsed or punctured lung, broken ribs or head injuries.
MICA paramedics can measure the amount of oxygen in a person's blood using a machine called a pulse oximeter. This records the number of oxygen cells in the red blood cells and displays as a percentage.