1. ABOUT OXYGEN

A. What is oxygen? ...Oxygen is an Element, a Drug and a Gas.

B. Why do we need Oxygen? ...Every cell in the body needs energy to function. Cells get their energy from a combination of the food we eat plus oxygen from the air we breathe.

FOOD + OXYGEN = ENERGY + CARBON DIOXIDE

Thus, energy enables us to use our muscles to breathe, perform work and carry out all bodily functions.

2. OXYGEN IN THE HOME

Oxygen is a drug and must be prescribed by your physician. An exact flow rate given in liters per minute (LPM) has been ordered to increase your oxygen level.

Oxygen is normally delivered to you through a NASAL CANNULA (CAN-YOU-LA) (nosepiece) or an Oxygen Mask.

THIS FLOW RATE MUST NEVER VARY FROM WHAT YOUR DOCTOR PRESCRIBES BECAUSE TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE OXYGEN CAN CAUSE SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS.

3. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Oxygen does not explode. Oxygen does not burn by itself, but an environment enriched with oxygen will make a fire burn faster and hotter. To avoid the chance of fire and other possible hazards associated with oxygen, follow these rules.

A. DO NOT SMOKE while wearing oxygen.

B. DO NOT permit open flames or smoking in the room where oxygen is being used or stored.

C. DO NOT use any household electrical equipment in an oxygen enriched atmosphere (examples: electric razors, electric stoves, heaters, blankets and pads, etc.)

KEEP THESE ITEMS AT LEAST 5 FEET FROM YOUR OXYGEN

D. DO NOT use oil or grease on oxygen equipment.

E. DO NOT allow oxygen tubing to be covered by any objects (bedding, carpets, etc.)

F. DO NOT leave oxygen ON when equipment is not in use.

G. DO NOT abuse or handle oxygen containers roughly.

H. DO NOT store oxygen in a confined area.

I. DO NOT allow untrained persons to use or adjust equipment.

J. DO NOT attempt to fix or repair oxygen equipment.

K. DO NOT store oxygen containers near radiators, heat ducts, steam pipes or other sources of heat.

L. DO NOT transport oxygen in an enclosed area such as the trunk of your car.

M. DO NOT open cylinder valves quickly.

N. DO secure cylinders either by chain, cord or stand. Small cylinders may be stored by lying on the floor away from areas of frequent use.

O. DO keep oxygen equipment out of the reach of children.

P. DO keep oxygen equipment free of dust by wiping it off periodically with warm water. A mild household detergent may be used if necessary.

4. TRAVEL TIPS

A. DO NOT transport oxygen in an enclosed area or the trunk of your car.

B. DO transport oxygen in the back seat of your car and secure it properly.

C. DO open your car window approximately 1 inch to prevent oxygen accumulation.

D. DO contact PRO2 well in advance if you are planning to travel or transport.

5. TROUBLE

A. Report any problems with the equipment or delivery devices to the office at 716-667-9600 or toll free at 1-866-667-8600.

B. Contact us with any discomfort such as dryness or skin irritation.

REMEMBER: CAREFULLY FOLLOW YOUR DOCTOR'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FLOWRATE AND DURATION OF DAILY OXYGEN USE.