Safety Tips for Oxygen Equipment: Know How to Do It Right


by Anne Clarke - Date: 2007-02-26 - Word Count: 460 Share This!

Some of the highest quality oxygen equipment is designed exclusively for hospital use. There are many things to consider when purchasing the right kind of oxygen equipment. It must be considered based on the diagnosis, whether someone has been diagnosed with asthma, emphysema, or any other kind of pulmonary condition. Another aspect that must be taken into account is whether he or she has just recently been diagnosed, or if the disease is still in its early stages. The difference of someone's ability to use more portable oxygen equipment may depend on whether it has progressed to more advanced stages. More considerations must of course, be taken into account, such as the individual's medical history, family medical histories etc.

It is often suggested by doctors that the patient have one or even two back - up oxygen mechanisms for their condition in case of an emergency. If a patient uses home oxygen equipment that patient is most likely to have direct and consistent contact with a doctor - and virtually always the patient has a caregiver who lives with him or her. The following are some basic guidelines to remember for a caregiver, as well as the patient using any home oxygen equipment:

1. Always be sure that your oxygen tanks are upright. This is very important to the distribution of oxygen into the patient's medical apparatus and therefore, his or her lungs.

2. Even if an oxygen tank is old or not currently being used by the patient, never smoke or light fires of any kind whatsoever around these tanks.

3. Warn people! Wherever you store the patient's oxygen equipment be sure to put up no smoking signs - even if it is unlikely that someone would smoke there.

4. Keep a fully functional fire extinguisher in the house. In addition, let the local fire department know of your individual situation and the kind of equipment you use.

5. The patient must never increase or decrease the amount of oxygen he or she is taking without the expressed permission of a doctor. Like many kinds of medication too much can be harmful, and too little is harmful as well.

6. Always have the phone number for the manufacturers of your oxygen equipment handy. Just as you keep the phone numbers of your doctor, poison control hotlines, or any other emergency telephone numbers.

7. Liquid oxygen tanks make for a good back - up oxygen source. They are simple to use in case of a blackout or other possible causes of home oxygen equipment failure.

There are all kinds of equipment out there for each and every type of pulmonary condition - no matter what it is or how far the disease has progressed. And, naturally, there are also specific guidelines that MUST be executed and followed to the letter for every piece of virtually life - saving oxygen equipment available.


Related Tags: oxygen equipment, oxygen, lung, pulmonary disease, safety tips for oxygen equipment, asthma equipment

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and the environment. Her background includes home décor and gardening. For more of her articles on exercise, heath, and fitness, please visit oxygenequipment.net, supplier of high quality Nebulizers and Medical Oxygen Equipment.

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