Oxygen Use and Safety Training : Complete Training for Healthcare Professionals

Oxygen therapy is one of the vital healthcare interventions in providing life-saving support to patients suffering from respiration disorders. However, safe and effective oxygen use requires a deep perception of its benefits and risks, handling procedures, and individual safety precautions.

Shreeji Training is here to offer specific training to healthcare professionals so that they can work safely and effectively with oxygen therapy.

This guide delves into some of the important features of oxygen use and safety, emphasizing its significance, best practices, and the importance of proper training.

What is Oxygen Therapy?

Oxygen therapy is the provision of supplementary oxygen to patients unable to maintain an adequate level of oxygen in their body due to medical conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pneumonia, and COVID-19. It improves oxygen saturation in the blood, so that the organs can work well, which reduces stress in the respiratory system.

Proper oxygen therapy ensures that patients receive the right amount of oxygen based on their medical needs, avoiding complications such as hypoxia or oxygen toxicity from excess oxygen.

Why is Oxygen Safety Important?

Oxygen is life-sustaining, but its improper use or handling poses severe risks, including fire hazards and patient injuries. Oxygen is highly flammable and accelerates combustion, making safety precautions crucial in both clinical and home settings.

Healthcare workers should be trained on issues of oxygen safety to help avoid accidents, ensure proper use of equipment, and inform patients on safe practice.

Main Concepts in Oxygen Use and Safety Training

1. Medical Indications for Administration of Oxygen Therapy

Healthcare professionals should know when medical conditions require oxygen therapy and the appropriate time to administer treatment.  Training should cover:

Awareness of hypoxic signs, for example, breathlessness and bluish tinge around the skin.

Determining oxygen needs based on arterial blood gas (ABG) levels or pulse oximetry readings.

Adjusting therapy according to the specific needs of a patient.

2. Oxygen Delivery Devices

A suitable oxygen delivery device is necessary to provide effective therapy. Training in this area equips the learner with information on:

• Nasal Cannulas: Low-flow oxygen requirements
• Simple Face Masks: Provide higher concentrations of oxygen
• Non-Rebreather Masks: Patients who are critically ill need high oxygen concentration
• Venturi Masks: These are used for COPD patients and ensure exact delivery of oxygen.
• Portable Oxygen Systems: Enabling patients to ambulate safely with oxygen in their home.

Learners know the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of each device to ensure appropriate patient results.

3. Handling Oxygen Equipment Safely

Equipment for oxygen requires careful handling so that it doesn’t leak or become contaminated or involved in an accident. Training emphasizes:

• Oxygen cylinders should be stored in a well-ventilated area.
• Equipment should be checked for damage, leakage, or malfunction.
• Tubing and masks must be clean and functional.

4. Fire safety measures

Oxygen promotes combustion so training is centered on fire prevention. The healthcare practitioners learn:

• They are taught to separate the oxygen devices from open flame, cigarettes and any source of heat.
• Never allow patients to bring in petroleum product in an area provided with oxygen.
• Explain fire precautionary measures and its prevention techniques to patients and even to their caregiver
• Ensure provision of fire extinguishers in spaces that administer oxygen.

5. Educating a patient on the administration of Oxygen

Patient education on their therapy enhances observance and safety. Education encompasses:

• Training the patient to use and care for oxygen equipment.
• Warning the patient of smoking or any flammable substance should be kept away from oxygen.
• Training them on how to observe oxygen saturation levels through a pulse oximeter.
• Training them on whom and when to contact in case of complications from treatment.

6. Risks and Side Effects of Oxygen Therapy

Although oxygen therapy is helpful, its misuse results in complications. Health care providers learn to diagnose and manage the following:

• Oxygen Toxicity: Symptoms are coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
• Dry Nose and Throat: It is caused by prolonged use of oxygen; it can be prevented using humidifiers.
• Skin Irritation: Caused by masks or tubing; thus, proper fitting and adjustment.

Knowing these complications prevents harmful effects and assures safe and effective therapy.

7. Storage and Maintenance of Equipment

Appropriate storage and care for oxygen equipment ensure safety and functionality. Training includes:

• Keeping oxygen cylinders upright and secured to prevent tilting.
• Keeping cylinders away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
• Cleaning and disinfecting the masks, tubing, and humidifiers often.
• Checking if there are any leaks, corrosion, or other issues in the equipment before use.

8. Emergency Protocols on Oxygen Utilization

Healthcare providers must be equipped to deal with emergencies associated with oxygen therapy, including equipment failure or fire. Training includes:

• Reactions to sudden hypoxia or respiratory distress.
• Switching to backup oxygen systems in case of device malfunction.
• Using fire extinguishers and evacuating patients safely in fire incidents.
• Notifying appropriate authorities and documenting incidents accurately.

Benefits of Oxygen Use and Safety Training

1. Improved Patient Outcomes

Proper training will ensure patients are given the correct oxygen therapy, which helps prevent complications and shortens recovery time.

2. Lower Chances of Accidents

Adherence to safety procedures will prevent accidents, for example, fire or equipment failure.

3. Better Informed Patients

Properly trained health care providers are able to educate patients and carers, thus improving adherence and safety in the home environment.

4. Enhanced Professionalism

Advanced knowledge and expertise in oxygen therapy boost a provider’s confidence and career opportunities.

Why choose Shreeji Training?

At Shreeji Training, we work hard to deliver high quality training programs that will equip the health care providers with safe, effective care. The benefits of oxygen use and safety training program at Shreeji Training includes:

• From comprehensive modules that cover each detail of oxygen therapy and safety.
• Experienced trainers with hands-on knowledge in respiratory care.
• Interactive sessions with practical demonstrations and real-life examples.
• Certificates issued to enhance your professional profile.

To Book a Course:

Phone: 0208 596 5047

Email: marketing@shreetraining.com