ALL ABOUT OXYGEN
Oxygen is one of the most basic necessities for life. Without it, death will occur in just a matter of minutes. Normal room air contains about 21% oxygen, which is sufficient for human life. Oxygen can be utilized in many different ways. It can be delivered to ill or injured patients through devices such as a nasal cannula, non- rebreather masks or bag-valve-masks.
Humidifiers increase moisture levels in the air we breathe. In the absence of moisture, our soft tissues in the nose, throat and lungs will become dry and irritated. Short-term use of dry oxygen is not harmful, but humidifiers are recommended if administration time will exceed 60 minutes.
On board the aircraft, “bubblers” may be available for use. Bubblers are becoming more standard on aircraft and are a part of the therapeutic oxygen system. This device allows the oxygen to bubble through water to increase the amount of humidity transported with it, thereby increasing a patient’s comfort level.
MEASURING OXYGEN LEVELS
One non-invasive and effective way to measure the oxygen saturation in the blood is by using a pulse oximeter. This is a very useful tool when faced with an onboard emergency and one vital sign you will need to have ready. This valuable piece of diagnostic equipment is available through Aircare Access.
The pulse oximeter has a spring mechanism that allows you to gently clamp a patient’s fingernail. By
utilizing a light beam, the pulse oximeter will read the saturation of oxygen in the blood pulsing through that nail. The best reading you can hope for is 100%; however,90-100% is considered normal for a healthy adult. Some units have a light that will blink with every beat of the patient’s heart.
When checking this vital sign, ask the patient to hold still while you place the pulse oximeter on his or her finger. The display should give you a reading within about 15 seconds. You may see fluxuations if the patient takes a deep breath or conversely, holds a breath. This vital sign is read as PO2: “The patient’s PO2 is 98.”
OXYGEN ADMINISTRATION
Oxygen is considered a drug when given to a patient. The training you receive today will give ample knowledge to deliver oxygen to any patient in distress. Onboard the aircraft, there may be multiple delivery systems for oxygen. The first is a portable bottle capable of delivering high or low flow oxygen. The oxygen is usually delivered through a mask. The second method is a “therapeutic outlet.” This portal taps into the pilots’ oxygen system and can be turned up to 15 liters per minute with a regulator.
The first order of business anytime you are using oxygen is to gain consent from your patient. A person in any type of respiratory distress will have a heightened stress level. Calmly remind the patient that oxygen will help alleviate symptoms and make it easier to breathe.
Allow the patient to have control of the mask, removing it occassionally while getting used to it. This is a great opportunity to help the patient regulate respirations and take full, regular breaths.
Always attach the mask tubing to the regulator of the oxygen canister first and slowly turn the valve to its highest setting. Then, place the mask on the patient, gently stretching the band over both ears and securing it behind the patient’s head.
Most patients will notice positive results within a few minutes. Make sure the PIC has been notified that oxygen is being used and that Aircare Access has been contacted. Your O2 supply will be limited from the portable canister and you may need to tap into the pilots’ oxygen supply. Continue the use of O2 until the patient recovers sufficiently or when told told to discontinue by your PIC or Aircare Access. Applying oxygen to the patient again is likely, so keep it close.
Attach the mask tubing to the outlet on the portable oxygen bottle. Check the pressure regulator to
32 Respiratory System
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