Pulse oximetry in the Emergency Department: the forgotten underdog?

Pulse oximetry is a critical, non-invasive tool in the management of patients within the emergency department. Its ability to provide immediate, continuous monitoring of arterial oxygen saturation and pulse rate makes it indispensable for early recognition of hypoxia, guiding oxygen therapy, and monitoring disease progression or response to treatment. This narrative review examines the technological underpinnings of pulse oximetry, highlights its diverse clinical applications in the emergency setting, and discusses known limitations such as reduced accuracy under conditions of hypoperfusion or skin pigmentation bias. Finally, we explore ongoing innovations, including the integration of artificial intelligence and wearable technologies, that promise to enhance the diagnostic and predictive utility of pulse oximetry in emergency medicine.