How to Use Portable Oxygen Tanks

Oxygen can be used in cases such as decompression accidents in scuba diving and other incidents when a person has been deprived of oxygen and needs 100 percent oxygen to be administered. Portable oxygen tanks are readily available and should be on standby if you are partaking in an activity in which an accident might require their use. It is a simple procedure to rig a portable oxygen tank and administer emergency oxygen.

Instructions

    • 1

      Attach the oxygen regulator to the oxygen tank valve. Screw the regulator into the valve and tighten it with the required tool. This will differ depending on the oxygen provision system.

    • 2

      Attach the oxygen mask hoses to the regulator. Screw the demand valve mask -- the mask that provides oxygen when the patient breathes -- onto the designated port. Attach the non-rebreather mask -- masks that can provide either a constant supply of oxygen or be used as demand valves -- hose to the designated ports.

    • 3

      Open the oxygen tank valve. Check on the regulator pressure gauge how much oxygen is in the tank.

    • 4

      Set the oxygen flow rate to 15 liters per minute.

    • 5

      Put the mask on, or hand the mask to the patient and instruct them to breathe.