In a patient with acute respiratory issues, what vital sign would be a primary concern for the EMT to monitor?

In a patient experiencing acute respiratory issues, monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial because it provides direct insight into the patient's ability to oxygenate their blood. Oxygen saturation is measured as a percentage and reflects how much hemoglobin in the blood is saturated with oxygen. A decrease in oxygen saturation indicates that the patient is not getting enough oxygen, which can lead to serious complications such as hypoxia, organ dysfunction, or respiratory failure if not addressed promptly.

Monitoring this vital sign helps the EMT assess the effectiveness of the patient's breathing and the adequacy of oxygen delivery to the tissues. Interventions may include supplemental oxygen or other airway management techniques, depending on the severity of the situation. This makes it a primary concern in emergency scenarios where the patient's life may be at risk due to inadequate oxygenation.