Pathway: Red

  • CXR or Lung US
  • 12 lead ECG
  • Administer O2 15L/min with reservoir for 3-5 min
SpO2 >94%
If COPD* >90%
SpO2 90-94%
If COPD* 86-90%
SpO2 <90%
If COPD* <86%

*A note on patients with COPD

Many patients with COPD do not have sats of 88-92% but do in fact have normal sats, so do not assume that the patient with low sats who has COPD represents a patient with ‘normal’ sats for them. They may be severely unwell. If in doubt, do an ABG or admit.

View full flowchart
Download PDF