Oxygen Therapy helps improve low blood oxygen levels. Ambulatory oxygen is prescribed when your oxygen levels fall on exertion and is intended to improve your level of activity.
It is a prescribed medication. The amount you have been prescribed has been carefully assessed and is individual to you.
How to use your Ambulatory Oxygen Therapy.
The oxygen company will provide you with equipment appropriate for your needs.
You should use your oxygen at ___ Litres/minute (L/min) when mobile.
You should use the ___________________________ (Device)
Conserver: Yes / No at Number ________
Your oxygen cylinder is expected to last ______ hrs ______ mins
Replacement cylinders are ordered from the Home Oxygen supplier. We ask that you order in advance and where possible to replace your full supply of cylinders.
Your recent assessment has shown you need oxygen whilst you are active; such as walking, shopping or gardening. Portable oxygen is mostly for use outdoors, but can be used for tasks such as housework and bathing.
You should not use ambulatory oxygen when you are resting. 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 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.
• 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
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
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
