This guide is general information for families, not medical advice. Oxygen is a prescribed treatment: the doctor decides the flow rate and how many hours a day it is used.
Key facts
- NHS guidance is to keep oxygen equipment at least 3 metres from open flames, such as a gas stove, and at least 1.5 metres from other heat sources and electrical appliances.
- No one should smoke near the patient or the equipment. Oxygen does not burn itself, but it makes things catch fire more easily and burn faster.
- Use only the flow rate and hours the doctor prescribed; more oxygen is not always better.
- A concentrator stops in a power cut, so keep a full back-up for load-shedding.
Concentrator or cylinder
- An oxygen concentrator takes oxygen from the air in the room and runs on electricity. It suits someone who needs oxygen for many hours a day.
- A large oxygen cylinder holds a stored supply and needs refilling or replacing.
- A small portable cylinder lets the patient keep using oxygen away from home or on the move.
Use it as prescribed
- Use the flow rate and the number of hours the doctor prescribed. Do not turn the flow up or down unless the doctor tells you to; more oxygen is not always better.
- Keep the tubing free of kinks, and avoid stretching it across walkways where someone could trip.
- Keep cylinders upright and secured so they cannot fall over, away from heat and direct sunlight.
Fire safety
- Do not smoke, and do not let anyone smoke, near the patient or the equipment.
- Keep the equipment at least 3 metres from any open flame, such as a gas stove, gas heater, candles or incense.
- Keep it at least 1.5 metres from other heat sources, such as electric heaters, and from other electrical appliances.
- Do not use flammable liquids or sprays, such as cleaning fluids, paint thinner or aerosols, near the equipment.
- Fit smoke alarms and check that they work.
Power cuts
A concentrator stops working when the electricity goes. Ask the supplier or the doctor what to use during load-shedding, for example a back-up cylinder, and check the back-up is full before you need it.
Checking oxygen levels
If the doctor asked you to check oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter, write down the readings and the time. Our FAQ explains the normal SpO2 range and which readings need a doctor or an emergency call.
When to call for help
Call Rescue 1122 if the patient is severely breathless, their lips or face turn blue or grey, or they become confused or very drowsy. In a fire, turn off the oxygen if you safely can, get everyone out and call Rescue 1122.
How a nurse can help
On a home oxygen review, a Registered Nurse reviews the prescribed oxygen plan and how the equipment is set up, checks the patient’s oxygen level at the prescribed flow, explains fire safety and refers the patient if they are getting worse. Oxygen is never started without a prescription, and the family provides the concentrator or cylinder. Nurse at Home is preparing to launch and is not taking bookings yet.