b'ChapterOxygen Therapy Oxygen therapy is the administration of oxygen as a medical intervention for a patient who has either a chronic or acute condition. Oxygen is essential for cell metabolism, and in turn, tissue oxygenation is essential for all normal physiological functions.This additional supplement will increase the oxygen content of the blood. This assists a patient in respiratory distress by easing respiratory effort and rate.Pain and distress also reduces as other vital organs (heart, lungs, brain) receive increased supply of oxygen. Oxygen therapy must be administered at an appropriate flow rate and it is vital to monitor the patient throughout the procedure.Oxygen ventilation is administered to the patient about once every 4 seconds (15 times per minute) and to a child about every 3 seconds (20 times per minute).The patients pulse and breathing should be checked after each minute (for up to 10 seconds) before continuing ventilating at the same rate until ambulance arrives.The first aid officer must ensure that the patients chest slowly rises when ventilating because a long slow inhalation provides more effective tissue perfusion.Oxygen Resuscitation is where the non breathing patient (respiratory / cardiac arrest) receives positive pressure ventilation of 100% Oxygen (via a hand powered self inflating resuscitation bag-valve or demand valve-mask resuscitator device).Oxygen is forced into the tissues and vital organs / blood supply to maintain life. In a non breathing patient, the oxygen flow rate is pre set to prevent any over inflation of oxygen into the stomach which could lead to distension and regurgitation.Oxygen EquipmentOxygen is administered to a patient via a face mask or nasal cannula.Non breathing patients receive oxygen via mouth to mask with added oxygen, oxygen resuscitator devices and soft bag/mask systems.Medical oxygen cylinders are identified by a white cylinder body and shoulder. This is a relatively new colour scheme (introduced in 2010) and indicated by the letter N marked twice on the shoulder of the cylinder. (N denotes the new colour scheme). Oxygen is filled and stored under high pressure (2000 psi32 atmospheres) and aids in combustion so it is important that safety / storage precautions and regulations be adhered to.Safety precautionsDANGERThe valve should always be closed when a cylinder is empty or almost empty.Do not use a cylinder without the correct regulating device.Do not drop, drag, roll or slide cylinders. A fractured cylinder may convert to a high powered missile.Smoking or open flame around an oxygen cylinder is prohibited (explosion potential)Do not allow petroleum-based grease or oil to come in contact with the stem or supply devices. All valve inserts and the O ring must always remain clean, dry and in good condition.242 Advanced Resuscitation'