Emergency Oxygen Assembly and Administration

By Alexa Keenan

Assembling and Administering

Emergency Oxygen

Picture This…You and a friend are running on the track at the local gym. All of a sudden your friend comes to an abrupt stop, grabs her chest, and falls to her knees. Her lips begin to turn blue and she begins to lose consciousness.

What should you do?

… Administer Emergency Oxygen

FACTS• It is impossible to revive a person if deprived of oxygen for more

than 15 minutes• Emergency oxygen provides victims with 100% of oxygen needed

to become stabilized • Timely delivery of emergency oxygen combats tissue hypoxia which

can lead to anaerobic metabolism and metabolic acidosis• CPR without supplemental oxygen is only 4.6% successful, even if

performed correctly

When Should Emergency Oxygen be Administered?• When symptoms of hypoxia are detected• Restlessness• Rapid breathing• Blue skin• Chest Pain • Going in and out of consciousness

• When an adult’s breathing pattern is irregular• Less than 12 breaths per minute• More than 20 breaths per minute

• When a child’s breathing pattern is irregular• Less than 15 breaths per minute• More than 30 breaths per minute

• When an infant’s breathing pattern is irregular• Less than 25 breaths per minute• More than 50 breaths per minute

Parts of an Oxygen Cylinder

Oxygen Cylinder

• Used to administer emergency oxygen• Contains pressurized oxygen

Oxygen Regulator

Controls the amount of oxygen dispensed from the tank

Pressure Gauge

Displays the oxygen pressure in the tank in lbs/

Flow Meter

Measures the oxygen flow in liters/minute

Delivery Device

Device through which oxygen is delivered to a patient

Before Using the Oxygen Tank

• Verify that all parts of the system are in good condition

• Check for leaks, rust, defective valves, abnormal bumps, and foreign matter on the tank

• Open the valve on the cylinder to clear it of any foreign matter

• Tighten the T-screws by hand

Oxygen Tank Assembly1. Examine the oxygen cylinder and verify that it has a yellow

diamond with the word “oxygen” and that “USP” is present.

2. Position the cylinder wrench on the neck and clear the valve.

3. Turn the valve slightly open to eliminate particles or dirt; then close the valve by turning it counterclockwise.

Oxygen Tank Assembly

4. Attach the regulator to the cylinder.

5. Secure the regulator by tightening the T-screw in a counterclockwise direction.

6. Check the pressure by spinning the nozzle at the top of the cylinder counterclockwise one time. Tank pressure must read 200 PSI.

7. Attach the delivery device to the nipple adapter.

How to Administer Emergency Oxygen

1. Open the valve with the cylinder. A full cylinder should be pressurized to 2,000 pounds per square inch (PSI).

2. Turn the dial to adjust the flow rate of oxygen.

3. Place the nasal cannula on the victim.

4. Place the tubing over the victim’s ears.

5. Use the adjuster to ensure the comfort of the victim.

Turning off the Tank

1. Remove the delivery device.

2. Stop the oxygen flow by using the cylinder wrench to turn the valve at the top of the neck clockwise until the flow of oxygen has stopped.

3. Remove the regulator by twisting the T-screw in a clockwise direction.

4. Place the tank on its side and secure it to a cart.

Proper Maintenance After Use • Clean the tank

• Do not carry the oxygen tank by valve or regulator

• Store the tank at least ten feet away from heat source

• Store the tank on a stand or rack

• Do not remove or tamper with the labeling

Additional Information

For additional information on the proper use and care of the emergency oxygen cylinder, refer to the user manual included with the device. It is entitled:

ADMINISTERING EMERGENCY OXYGEN: A Guide for Medical Professionals