Continuing the cycle of care

Between 2003 and 2008 emergency rooms reported 1,190 thermal burns per year caused by ignitions associated with home medical oxygen.

 

The vast majority of these burns (73%) were due to cigar/cigarette smoking materials.  10% were due to stoves or ovens, 9% were due to candles, 3% match or lighter, 2% lighting gas grills, 2% grinding, 1% incense and 1% unknown.

 

 

Here are some questions that you need to ask yourself about your oxygen safety situation in the home:

 

• Do you or anyone in your home ever smoke?

 

• Have you been cautioned  about the hazards of smoking materials, even smoldering cigars, cigarettes or matches while oxygen is present?

 

• Do you understand that even after you turn off your oxygen; clothing, bedding, curtains, etc. can still contain large amounts of oxygen and that to be safe you should get at least 15 feet away from the oxygen source before lighting a match or lighter?

 

• Do you understand that a stove or oven can create a fire in the presence of concentrated oxygen?

 

• Do you understand that where the oxygen comes out (nasal cannula or mask) is where the most dangerous concentration of oxygen is present?

 

• Do you understand that matches and lighers cause 3% of burns on medical oxygen patients?

 

• Do you use matches or lighters to light candles, gas or charcoal grills, pilot lights for fireplace or water heater?

 

• Do you understand that you must remove your oxygen source prior to using matches or lighters?

 

• Do you ever use candles in your home for light, decorations or celebrations such as birthday candles?

 

• Do you understand that you must remove your oxygen source prior to lighting a candle or anytime a candle is close (within 15 feet) of your oxygen source?

 

 

Please understand that any open flame, however small is extremely dangerous when subject to concentrated oxygen.  The medical oxygen you have been prescribed requires extreme caution due to the increased potential for creating a fire.  You assume the increased fire liability associated with the use of your home oxygen system.

 

Medical Comfort Systems is dedicated to the continuing education of patients with home medical oxygen.  We think it is imperative to constantly train and reeducate patients on the safety and use of their equipment.  You can contact us anytime with questions you might have about your equipment or home situation.