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Emergency oxygen is essential in any lifesaving program. The following are the most commonly asked questions regarding emergency oxygen and administration:
This FAQ is by no means exhaustive and is not intended to aid in the self-diagnosis of any medical condition or the sole written policy for any company or organization with regard to the use of emergency oxygen. This page is meant for informational purposes only and cannot take the place of a diagnosis and treatment plan of qualified medical personnel. such as your family physician nor can it take the place of an OSHA-compliant written plan.
Why is emergency oxygen so important during a medical emergency?
Life-threatening medical emergencies are usually accompanied by low tissue oxygen levels (not enough oxygen supply to tissue and organs). If this progresses, the brain will begin to die first, with other organs following. Also, low oxygen levels to the heart may lead to cardiac arrest. After opening the airway, breathing with supplemental oxygen is the most important first step.
Who should receive emergency medical oxygen?
ANY victim of potentially life-threatening illness or injury - without exception.
How is emergency medical oxygen employed?
For the victim who is breathing, emergency oxygen via a mask increases the oxygen concentration of the inhaled air. For the victim who requires rescue breathing, emergency oxygen fed into a CPR mask enriches the breath being blown into the victim by the rescuer. In either case, the amount of oxygen available to the victim is greatly increased.
When should emergency oxygen be started?
Emergency oxygen should be started IMMIDIATLY AFTER a clear and open airway is established. However, if there is a delay in retrieving the oxygen unit and CPR is required, conventional mouth-to-mouth (or mouth-to-barrier device) rescue breathing should be performed until the oxygen unit is available. Use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) takes priority over oxygen (and should be administered as soon as possible); however, oxygen may greatly enhance the efficacy of defibrillation.
Can oxygen ever be harmful in a medical emergency?
Oxygen is NEVER harmful during a medical emergency. It always enhances the likelihood of a better outcome for the victim. The potential harmful effects of oxygen occur after prolonged use (more than 5 hours). New research (started in the 1980's) and publications find that oxygen is important to ALL victims of sudden life-threatening illness or injury.
Will emergency oxygen substitute for rescue breathing?
NO! In the non-breathing victim, application of oxygen without rescue breathing will not benefit the victim. It must be coupled with rescue breathing via a CPR mask with one way valve such as the SOS Emergency Oxygen Inhalator.
Is oxygen still needed after the arrest victim receives CPR?
YES! Oxygen should be continued until the EMS arrives. Maintaining oxygen on the revived victim may prevent relapse into cardiac respiratory arrest.
Is oxygen still needed after the victim who is breathing improves or "recovers"?
YES! Oxygen should be continued until the EMS arrives. Maintaining oxygen on the improved or "recovered" victim may also prevent relapse into cardiac respiratory arrest.
Will emergency oxygen substitutes for the "Heimlich Maneuver" (foreign body airway obstruction removal)?
NO. The airway must be cleared of the obstructing food or object. Oxygen alone will not help the victim. Once the obstruction is cleared, oxygen should be applied to aid in recovery.
If I am not sure whether the victim is breathing, should I perform rescue breathing, or should put the oxygen mask on the victim and wait and see?
If it is unclear whether or not the victim is breathing, start rescue breathing (preferably with emergency oxygen). By responding in this manner you will not harm the person if he/she is breathing. However, do not put an oxygen mask on and "wait and see" if they are breathing. If the victim is breathing too little, or not moving any air (hypoxic) he or she may deteriorate to full arrest.
If the victim has not had a respiratory or cardiac arrest but appears to have difficulty breathing, should I apply emergency oxygen?
YES! If the victim has labored breathing, applying emergency oxygen is one of the most important responses you can make to potentially prevent an arrest.
What should I do if the victim cannot tolerate the oxygen mask on his or her face?
Hold the mask adjacent to the victim's face. Much of the oxygen will still get into the victim's mouth and nose.
Does Emergency oxygen require a doctor's prescription?
NO. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers oxygen a drug when it is given in concentrations above that which is found in the ambient atmosphere and thus requires a prescription for medical oxygen, EMERGENCY medical oxygen has had exempted status since 1972. Since September of 1996 the FDA has required that the following warning be affixed to all medical oxygen tanks: "For emergency use only when administered by properly trained personnel for oxygen deficiency and resuscitation. For all other medical applications, CAUTIONS: Federal law prohibits dispensing without a prescription." In order to be considered as an over-the-counter (OTC) device, i.e., "non-prescription," the oxygen device must provide a minimum flow rate of 6 liters per minute for a minimum of fifteen minutes.
Who can provide emergency oxygen?
Anyone properly instructed in its use. The FDA, FAA, OSHA, and other concerned agencies DO NOT determine what constitutes proper training. Providers should be familiar with the manufacturer's directions and instructional materials.
What are the legal requirements for maintaining an emergency oxygen unit?
Federal regulations (under DOT) regarding refillable oxygen cylinders require hydrostatic testing of the cylinder every five (5) years, but only if and when the cylinder is refilled. This is accomplished by the refilling agency. Unless you are a certified refilling site, you should NOT refill your own cylinders. Disposable cylinders do not have this requirement, but MUST NOT be refilled under any circumstances. All SOS Emergency Oxygen Inhalator Units receive service and maintenance by our trained technicians every six months. The Oxygen Units can also be serviced and refilled after emergency use.
Isn't oxygen dangerous? Can't it catch fire and explode?
Oxygen does not spontaneously ignite or explode. Oxygen is perfectly safe when handled and used properly. The SOS Emergency Oxygen Regulator is a low-pressure two-stage design that has been in use for more than thirty-five years.
How much oxygen should I have on hand?
A good rule of thumb is to determine what the average EMS response time is to your facility, (national statistics show an average EMS response time of eight to twelve minutes) and have enough Emergency Oxygen to last twice as long as the aforementioned response time. In most circumstances a 30 to 45 minute supply is sufficient.
Does OSHA have any specific regulations regarding emergency oxygen?
No. It must be stored and handled in compliance with all compressed gases. There are no special instructions or record keeping required.
What about the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)?
Although it is not specifically a part of the standard, it is important to follow the standard should your unit or its contents (i.e. CPR mask) become contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials or fluids. In such cases the unit should be disposed of or cleaned as required. Our Portable Emergency Trauma Case and AED / Oxygen Response Bag include both an OSHA level First Aid Kit, and a Bloodborne Protection Clean-up Kit as standard equipment.
If I am not sure whether to give emergency oxygen, what should I do?
GIVE IT! It is far better to over use it than to under use it and miss the opportunity to improve the victim's condition. REMEMBER, it is not harmful and may save a life!
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