I was especially interested in our lessons on hemoglobin and what factors increase/decrease its ability to bind oxygen. Specifically, I had never heard of the two different states of hemoglobin or the unique properties of fetal hemoglobin. As an EMT, it’s second nature to take oxygen saturation on all of my patients but I rarely consider the different mechanisms that could lead to poor oxygen saturation. I learned a little bit about hemoglobin in my Human Physiology class but we didn’t go into detail about binding, especially at different altitude levels. I remember talking to someone who was a paramedic in Denali and he had many encounters with altitude sickness, which often led to patients getting medevaced out. I think it is super interesting and important to understand why I administer certain treatments to patients and am appreciative that this course allowed me to have a greater understanding of what I do. Additionally, I was reminded that the best way to treat carbon monoxide poisoning is administering oxygen, which is easy to forget because this is not a common call I encounter at Colby.
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Emma, it’s wonderful to hear how you’re using the material we learn in biochemistry to enhance your understanding of the treatments you administer as an EMT. Your reflection made me think about what we learned last class about the oxygen paradox. We understand that oxygen is essential for life, but we must also recognize that it has inherent risks. I remember learning that oxygen is one of the most frequently overadministered treatments by EMTs. I think this relates to an incomplete understanding of the biochemical reason behind its use. Your growing biochemical insights will make you an even more thoughtful and knowledgeable EMT!!
I had never heard of the different states of hemoglobin either, and I can see how this knowledge would benefit you and your care as an EMT. While altitude sickness or carbon monoxide poisoning are not cases you typically encounter at Colby, the biochemistry of oxygen binding is still relevant background for understanding patient oxygen saturation levels and their treatments. I think this also relates to how pulse oximeters work which are a critical part of a patient exam as an EMT.