Going home on oxygen after a car crash
A respiratory therapist and a pulmonologist on equipment, fire safety and rechecks
Some people head home from the hospital on oxygen after a chest injury, a lung problem or a critical illness. You may need it for a short time or as part of longer care. A respiratory therapist teaches you how to use the equipment. A pulmonologist, who is a lung specialist, or another treating doctor sets the dose and decides when to check it again. Follow the prescription. Don’t try to judge your dose by how short of breath you feel. [1, 2]
Put your prescription in plain words
Ask what flow rate to use and when to use it. Find out if the instructions change while you sleep or move around. Have someone show you the tank or concentrator, the tubing and any portable setup. Practice checking that oxygen is flowing. Don’t change the flow or stop using oxygen unless your treating doctor tells you to. [1]
Have a backup plan for equipment trouble
Keep your supplier’s phone number next to the equipment. Ask how much backup oxygen you need, especially if your concentrator runs on electricity. Learn what to do if the power goes out. Find out how to bring oxygen with you to appointments. Lay out the tubing so no one trips on it. Tell your team if the device, the cost or the layout of your home makes the plan hard to follow. [1]
Fire safety is part of your treatment
No one should smoke near oxygen. Keep it away from flames, candles and other heat sources. Use only skin products that are approved for use around oxygen. Oil based products can raise the risk of fire. Make sure everyone in your home knows these rules. Oxygen won’t catch fire on its own, though it does make a fire spread faster. [1, 2]
If your breathing gets worse, first make sure the equipment is hooked up and oxygen is flowing. Get emergency help for severe shortness of breath, confusion, or lips that look blue or gray. Don’t waste precious time changing the flow yourself. At your follow up visit, ask when your need for oxygen will be checked again. [1]
Things to confirm about your oxygen
- What flow and schedule did my doctor prescribe?
- What’s my backup plan if the power or equipment fails?
- When will we check whether I still need oxygen?
Keep the paperwork next to the machine
Sources and further reading
This article gives general information from respiratory therapy and lung medicine. Stick to the flow and schedule you were prescribed. Severe trouble breathing or blue or gray lips calls for emergency care.
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