Oxygen Use Pt Guide Brochure-Final-May-2012

Contact Program Educators

St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital

Vision Providence Care will lead the way in compassion and discovery.

613-548-7222 Barb Knapton, ext. 2030 Ann Murray, ext. 2140 Kim Hamilton, ext. 2241 Marie-Jo Cleghorn, ext. 2144

Mission Trusting in Providence and strengthened by the spirit and tradition of our Founders, the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul, we enhance the quality of life by meeting the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of each person.

We work with our partners to innovate and excel in education and research.

References UPMC (2011). Oxygen Therapy at Home: Patient Education.

Retrieved from: http://www.upmc.com/HealthAtoZ/ patienteducation/B/Pages/oxygentherapy-at-home.aspx

We treat each person with respect, dignity and compassion.

Values Respect & Dignity  Compassion  Stewardship

www.providencecare.ca May 2012

Patient Guide to Safe Oxygen Use

Why Oxygen?

What are the risks?

Oxygen is necessary for your body.

There is a risk of fire. For example, oxygen can cause a cigarette to burst into flames and ignite any clothing or furniture nearby.

When your body does not get enough oxygen, you may have difficulty breathing, problems with your heart, fatigue, loss of memory, headaches, or confusion.

When to use Oxygen?

Since oxygen is a medicine, your doctor will prescribe how much oxygen to use, to meet your specific needs.

If you think you need a different amount of oxygen than what was ordered, talk to your doctor first.

How Oxygen is delivered?

There are three different oxygen sources at Providence Care, which can be delivered continuously or intermittently. These include: a wall mounted delivery unit and two portable delivery systems: liquid oxygen and compressed oxygen. These are delivered by a tube that goes into the nose, a mask or through a tracheostomy tube.

How can you keep yourself safe? � Just taking the time to read this information and following the oxygen device instructions will greatly reduce your risk. � Never smoke near your oxygen, and avoid others who are smoking while oxygen is in use. � Keep your oxygen supply at least five feet away from fire, a stove, fireplace and electrical appliances (examples: igniter, toaster, candles, space heater, hair dryer or electric motor). � All electrical equipment should be properly grounded. � Avoid oils, greases, vaseline, lotions, face creams, hair and all petroleum based products when oxygen is in use.

Outside of the hospital � If you are going out on a pass be sure that all oxygen containers are secure, well ventilated, and upright and are not kept in the trunk of the vehicle. � Upon discharge, be sure that you have smoke alarms in your home and make sure that they are working. Replace the batteries at least twice a year (do it at daylight savings time). � Post an

“OXYGEN IN USE” sign at the entrance of your home.

� Turn oxygen supply valve to “OFF” when not in use.