Background This study evaluated the feasibility of prehospital tissue oxygen saturation (StO₂) in major trauma patients.

Methods A prospective, pilot feasibility study carried out in a physician based prehospital trauma service.

Results Prehospital StO₂ was recorded on 13 patients. Continuous StO₂ monitoring was achieved on all patients, despite intermittent failure of pulse oximetry and non-invasive blood pressure monitoring in six patients. No adverse outcomes of StO₂ monitoring were reported. The specific equipment used was reported to be inconveniently bulky and heavy for use in the prehospital setting.

Conclusions Prehospital measurement and monitoring of StO₂ is feasible in trauma patients undergoing prehospital anaesthesia and may be useful in the early identification of shock, triggering of transfusion protocols and guiding fluid resuscitation.