What is the recommended SpO₂ target to guide oxygen therapy in aeromedical patients?

• A. 94–98% (or per protocol; COPD may be 88–92%)
• B. 80–85%
• C. 99–100%
• D. 92–96%

Answer: (A)

Maintaining adequate tissue oxygenation while avoiding unnecessary high oxygen levels is the goal in aeromedical care. The recommended target SpO2 for guiding oxygen therapy in flight is about 94–98% for most patients. This range helps ensure sufficient arterial oxygen delivery across varying flight conditions and cabin pressures, while minimizing risks associated with over-oxygenation. In patients with COPD or certain chronic lung conditions, a lower target is often used—around 88–92%—to avoid impairing their ventilatory drive and potential CO2 retention, and this is applied per protocol. Oxygen should be titrated to stay within the appropriate range: raise FiO2 if SpO2 falls below the target, and reduce FiO2 if SpO2 is consistently above target and the patient is adequately perfused.