What delivery devices are typically authorized for oxygen in EMS under ICEMA?

• A. Nasal cannula and non-rebreather mask, depending on the patient’s needs.
• B. Venturi mask
• C. Bag-valve mask
• D. Nebulizer with oxygen

Answer: (A)

In EMS oxygen therapy, the devices chosen should match the patient’s ability to breathe and the needed oxygen concentration. The two most commonly authorized options are a nasal cannula and a non-rebreather mask because they cover the common clinical scenarios: nasal cannula for patients who are breathing on their own with mild to moderate hypoxemia and who need a comfortable, low-to-modest FiO2 (roughly 24–44% depending on flow), and a non-rebreather mask for patients with more significant hypoxemia who require a higher FiO2 (up to around 60–100% with proper seal and high flow).

Other devices have more specialized roles and aren’t typically used simply to deliver oxygen in routine EMS care. A venturi mask delivers a precise FiO2, which is more common in controlled settings and can be less practical in the prehospital environment. A bag-valve mask is a ventilation device used when the patient isn’t breathing or isn’t breathing adequately, delivering high concentrations of oxygen but not for spontaneous breathing patients who just need supplemental oxygen. A nebulizer with oxygen is intended to deliver aerosolized medications, not primarily to provide oxygen therapy.