| Summary: | <p> <i>Problem:</i> Exposure to high flow oxygen for even short periods of time has been independently linked to increased risk of poor patient outcomes. Evidence supports hypothesis that high flow oxygen may do more harm than good. Cognitive link between hyperoxia and related risk is deficient among prehospital providers. Implementation of hyperoxia avoidance education and evidence based updates to Mesa County, Colorado EMS protocol are predicted to improve provider comprehension and compliance, as well as, reduce patient risk for harm. <i>Purpose:</i> The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether informal introduction to hyperoxia avoidance presented to EMS providers in August 2013 resulted in greater number of patients whose prehospital oxygen was titrated to evidence based range versus high flow. The null hypothesis projects there is no difference between pre-and post-group analysis. <i>Methods:</i> A retrospective review of prehospital patient records was performed utilizing comparative data to analyze difference between independent groups in application of evidence based protocol, number of patients titrated to > 96 percent SpO<sub>2</sub>, and mean of highest recorded SpO<sub>2</sub>. <i>Results:</i> Analysis resulted no statistically significant difference between pre-and post-groups for initiation of evidence based oxygen guidelines, (p = .0697). Although SpO<sub>2</sub> > 96 percent was common in both groups, the post group resulted a reduction in patients titrated to hyperoxia, (p = .024). Sample population mean of high recorded SpO<sub>2</sub> was 97.3 percent with mean difference between groups of 0.5 percent, (p < 0.05). <i>Conclusion:</i> Study outcomes substantiate need for hyperoxia focused education within Mesa County Emergency Medical Services, as well as, indication of protocol generalizability. This manuscript will comprehensively discuss identified problem, study protocol, implication for advanced nursing practice, and areas of future study. </p><p>
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