<p>Given the trend to manage patients with more severe exacerbations of chronic respiratory conditions in the community, nurses will increasingly be required to assess and manage acutely breathless patients outside of hospitals. This article explains the importance of pulse oximetry and blood gas analysis in monitoring patients. It describes the provision of oxygen for acutely ill patients in the community and during transfer to hospital, and outlines British Thoracic Society guidance on emergency oxygen use in adults.</p>