Lesson 8 – Administer Oxygen

Basic Support Principles:

• Start administering oxygen within 3 minutes after exposure.
• If there is no breathing or heartbeat:

-Start CPR within 4 minutes to prevent brain damage.

-Never assume patient cannot be revived.

-Only stop when normal breathing and heartbeat has been revived.

-Only stop when another first aider, the emergency services or doctor can take over

• Talk to person to reassure and determine his / her condition through their response.
• Position patient on his / her back.
• Cover patient with a blanket for warmth (The patient might be in shock)
• Ensure tight  fitting clothing is opened or removed.
• Place the patient in the recovery position if they begin vomiting.

Oxygen Administering Procedure:

• Open the oxygen set cover.
• Do pre-operating checks.
• Open oxygen supply valve.
• Ensure oxygen is flowing into the mask.
• Don surgical gloves before this step!
• Ensure there are no visible obstructions in the patient’s mouth and throat.
• Place face mask over nose and mouth and secure with elastic band.
• If no heartbeat or breathing, apply CPR treatment.
  Blow into the mask by means of a mouth piece and one-way valve (when available).
• Continue with CPR and oxygen treatment until normal breathing and heartbeat have been revived, or arrival of emergency services or medical staff.