How to use your Oxygen Therapy.

The oxygen company will provide you with equipment appropriate for your needs such as a concentrator machine/static cylinders and/or ambulatory cylinders.

You should use your oxygen at ________ Litres/minute (L/min).

You should use the_________________________________ (Device)

It is important that you do not change the flow rate of your oxygen.

Unless advised, changing the flow rate without a proper assessment can be dangerous. This is because oxygen is a prescribed medication and should be treated like any other prescribed medication you may take.

Never let anyone else use your oxygen, as it may cause serious harm.

Safety Precautions.

• Never smoke or let anyone else smoke near you when using the oxygen equipment. This includes electronic cigarettes.

• Never charge an electronic cigarette or similar device close to you when using your oxygen equipment or near the equipment itself.

• Never use or store oxygen equipment within 3 metres of open fires or naked flames such as matches, lighters, gas cookers or candles.

• Never use or store oxygen equipment within 1.5 metres of other heat sources such as electrical fires, gas heaters, boilers, radiator or white goods.

• Never use petroleum, oil or paraffin based products (for example Vaseline) when using your oxygen. It is highly flammable and it can react with the oxygen causing irritation or burns to the skin. Use only water soluble products (e.g. KY Jelly). Further information is located in the Home Oxygen supplier’s handbook. This handbook is provided when the oxygen supply is initially installed

When to contact the Home Oxygen Team.

• If you have any questions following your recent review.

• If you require advice and support regarding oxygen equipment

 • If you have active nasal bleeding which has not stopped within 20 minutes, it is advisable to seek urgent medical attention via your GP or the nearest accident and emergency department.

• If you have been suffering with occasional nasal blood spotting, scabbing and/or nasal dryness, we may consider an alternative device to provide Oxygen, prescribe a topical ointment to help lubricate the nasal mucosa or complete a referral to the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist for advice. 

How to contact the Home Oxygen Team.

• If you have any enquiries, concerns or require further information, the team can be contacted on 01253956972. The team are available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Please note we have an answer machine and messages are checked regularly throughout the day. Please leave your name, contact number and a brief message.

• If your health is deteriorating please seek urgent medical advice either via your GP surgery, community team, call 111 or in a life threatening situation call 999

Useful Contacts:

Asthma and Lung UK Website:

www.asthmaandlung.org.uk

Helpline 0300 222 5800

Pulmonary Hypertension Association Website:

www.phassociation.uk.com

Helpline: 01646 651 979

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis Helpline:

01223 785725

Stop Smoking Service Website:

www.smokefree.nhs.uk

Telephone: 0800 022 4332