Fast and effective emergency oxygen therapy can save lives for patients experiencing low oxygen levels. In this article, we look at when and how to administer oxygen in an emergency situation – and what oxygen therapy equipment you need to ensure a safe and effective treatment.
What is the purpose of administering oxygen?
Supplemental oxygen is used to treat hypoxaemia (low oxygen levels in the blood) or to protect against it. When the levels of oxygen are too low in a person’s blood, it means their vital organs and tissues are not receiving enough oxygen to function properly. This can have serious and even life-threatening consequences. A person experiencing low oxygen saturation levels requires urgent medical attention.
Oxygen administration is a common treatment for people with chronic illnesses whose bodily tissues cannot get enough oxygen on their own. Oxygen is also the drug of choice when treating hypoxaemia in emergency situations. It’s important to note that while emergency oxygen use can help relieve the symptoms of hypoxaemia, it does not treat the source of the hypoxemia.
When should emergency oxygen be used?
Oxygen therapy should be used to treat hypoxaemia, that is when a patient is experiencing low oxygen levels in their blood.
In the past, oxygen was readily given as a treatment for breathlessness. However, today there is debate about the effectiveness of oxygen to help with breathlessness in patients who aren’t experiencing hypoxaemia. Research also suggests that there can be serious, even life-threatening consequences if too much oxygen is given (hyperoxaemia).
Supplemental oxygen should be given to a patient according to the target saturation range and the patient’s oxygen saturation levels should be closely monitored to prevent hyperoxaemia.
What are the symptoms of hypoxemia?
Hypoxaemia can be caused by many conditions, including anaemia, asthma, congenital heart defects, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia. Collapsed lungs, blood clots in the lungs and some medications can also lead to hypoxemia.
They signs and symptoms of hypoxaemia include:
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heart rate
- Coughing or wheezing
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Blue colouring in the fingertips, lips or skin
Hypoxaemia can occur in newborns with a congenital heart defect. Preterm infants are at a higher risk of hypoxaemia, especially if a mechanical ventilator has been used.
How do you administer oxygen in an emergency situation?
Emergency oxygen administration should only be performed by trained medical professionals or first aid officers. In an emergency situation, a prescription for oxygen is not required. However, it’s important to record a description of how much oxygen and what type of oxygen therapy was given as well as any other treatments given to the patient.
For a conscious patient, care should be taken when administering oxygen to prevent over-oxygenation. Ideally, the patient’s oxygen saturation should be monitored closely using a pulse oximeter. When delivering oxygen to a conscious patient, it is appropriate to let them sit or stand in a comfortable position. Oxygenation can be reduced when patients are lying down.
You can deliver low flow oxygen to a conscious patient who is breathing with nasal cannula or high flow oxygen using a non-rebreather oxygen mask. For unconscious, non-breathing patients, a bag and valve mask (BVM) can be used to deliver oxygen. A BVM can be used in conjunction with chest compressions.
Essential equipment for administering oxygen in an emergency situation
For healthcare providers and first responders, having the right equipment on hand is crucial. Essential equipment for emergency oxygen therapy includes:
Oxygen Masks
Oxygen masks are used to transfer oxygen from a tank into the patient’s lungs. Masks should be secure and comfortable, and they should include a nose clip, preferably adjustable. Use the appropriate sized mask for the patient being treated. Child masks should be used for children.
Oxygen Tubing
Oxygen tubing connects the oxygen source to a mask or cannula. Tubing should be clear, flexible and long enough to stretch between the patient and oxygen source.
Oxygen Regulators
Oxygen regulators are used to control the flow rate of oxygen from a pressurised gas cylinder. Regulators should be accurate, reliable and quick to connect to the oxygen source to ensure fast oxygen delivery. Oxygen regulators come with different specifications, according to the flow rates required. For example, we stock a regulator for flow rates up to 15Lpm and a regulator for flow rates up to 25Lpm.
Oxygen Demand Valve Resuscitators
Demand valve resuscitators are used to revive patients who are not breathing. They provide oxygen ‘on demand’ and typically offer flow rates up to 160Lpm. Some models feature a manual ventilation button to allow both hands to remain on the mask during oxygen delivery.
Oxygen Therapy Kits
Oxygen kits contain everything needed to administer oxygen in an emergency situation. They are appropriate for emergency oxygen use by medical professionals and trained first aid officers. Oxygen kits typically contain a number of adult and child oxygen therapy masks, a bag and valve mask (BVM), CPR masks, an oxygen regulator and nitrile gloves.
Different types of oxygen masks
The appropriate oxygen mask should be used for the patient being treated and the type of emergency oxygen therapy required. The different types of oxygen masks include:
Simple Face Masks
Simple oxygen masks cover the patient’s mouth and nose and are held in place with an elastic band that fits around their head. The masks contain small holes in the sides where carbon dioxide is released when the patient exhales. These types of masks can be used to provide moderate oxygen concentrations of around 40% to 60%.
Non-Rebreather Oxygen Masks
Non-rebreather oxygen masks are used to provide high flow oxygen to a patient. They consist of a simple face mask, oxygen tubing, a small reservoir bag and a flow metre. One-way valves between the bag and tubing ensure there is no rebreathing of exhaled air.
Nebuliser Masks
Nebuliser masks can be used to deliver atomised drugs to a patient to help make breathing easier. They are commonly used for respiratory conditions such as asthma and cystic fibrosis.
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Disclaimer: this article has been created for information purposes only and should not be used as medical advice or in place of current Australian guidelines.
