Knowing the Machines

Luckily, I have a background working in an intensive care unit so I am familiar with the machines that allow mom to live. But others aren't as aware. Knowing the machines is vital to mom being able to breathe.

Cylinders:

The cylinders are full of compressed oxygen. A regulator sits on top to regulate the air flow. Here is an instruction on how to work the cylinder for those who might need a bit of assurance when it comes to working it.

-Place cylinder in cart.
-Take off plastic and green tag so that you are aware it is used.
-Place regulator on so that the two prongs match with the two holes. Screw in.
-Using the green key, turn the top of the cylinder clockwise.
-Ensure that the dial goes to full.
-To use oxygen, place nasal canala on nose, and turn dial to 8.
-When dial reads empty in red, replace cylinder immediately for emergency use.
-To replace, turn dial to 0.
-Use green key to turn off cylinder by turning clockwise.
-Unscrew regulator and remove.

Condenser:

The oxygen condenser runs on electricity. Should the power fail, the white/black button next to the on/off button should be pushed. The air in this machine is condensed, so it is not forced out the tubing like it is in the cylinder. So you can't hear it coming out as well. You have to feel.

-Turn on power.
-Ensure dial has been turned to 10.
-Ensure water is in canister. The canister should be filled with extreme care b/c they break very easy. The knobs should not be tightened too tight or they will bust and you might not know it until you realize mom is blue.
-Check the tubing to make sure there is no kinks or breaks in the line.


The best sign for knowing if mom is not getting oxygen is to watch the color of her face- especially in the lip area. And if she starts not making any sense, you know there is an oxygen issue.