View Single Post
  #15  
Old March 22nd 20, 06:19 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
BobWa43
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 42
Default O2, Question for medics.

On Friday, March 20, 2020 at 12:02:00 AM UTC-4, FZ wrote:
There are a few hundred oxygen masks and O2 tanks in a gliding community. Are those of any potential use in a CronaVirus emergency?


The short answer is no. Oxygen delivery to the tissues is a result of a complex interaction of the circulatory and respiratory systems. In the case of the Corona virus, the problem is pneumonia which leads to abnormalities in the perfusion/ventilation ratio which no amount of oxygen can correct. Mechanical ventilation and other supportive measures are required.
As aside, I would also note that pulse oximeters are great but they are not infallible. There are many reasons why you might get an incorrect reading, especially in the less expensive models.