How to Use Home Oxygen Safely
Oxygen may be prescribed for use at home for certain medical conditions. Your doctor will order home oxygen if he or she feels you are not getting enough oxygen into your blood. It is essential to learn how to use oxygen safely at home to prevent accidents and get the needed benefits.
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Instructions
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Decide what type of oxygen delivery device to use. There are three main types of oxygen delivery devices, they include, compressed oxygen in a tank, an oxygen concentrator and liquid oxygen. Discuss the pros and cons of each with your home health company.
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Write down information. Your doctor will refer you to a home health company which provides medical equipment for home use. Someone from the company will come to your home to set up the oxygen and instruct you how to use it safely. Ask any questions you have.
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Use the prescribed amount. Your doctor will write a prescription for a specific liter flow. This will deliver an approximate percent of oxygen. This is the amount your physician feels you need. Call your doctor before making changes on your own.
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Keep the oxygen at least six feet from radiators, furnaces and space heaters. Oxygen is classified as an accelerator. If something was to catch on fire oxygen will make it burn faster.
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Don't smoke when using your oxygen, and ask other people to not smoke around you. Post a sign which states "no smoking, oxygen in use." This will help remind visitors to refrain.
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Keep oxygen tanks stored upright and secured.
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Buy a fire extinguisher and be familiar with how to use it. Oxygen is not flammable but it can speed up how quickly the fire burns. If a small fire was to start it is essential to put it out quickly.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask you home health company about safety requirements when traveling with home oxygen. Different delivery devices may have specific requirements for travel by air or car.
Have a back up device such as a tank when using an oxygen concentrator. Oxygen concentrators use electricity. If the power goes out you will need to rely on an oxygen tank.
