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The name originates from the Bosun's whistle, since it blows a whistle when the oxygen supply to an anaesthetic machine fails. Loss of oxygen supply is very serious since if no warning is given the patient may be breathing 100% nitrous oxide. If this situation continues for a few minutes the patient may be seriously injured or killed. Various designs of warning device are available, some of which automatically interrupt the supply of other gases. However, this type simply whistles for a few seconds and brings a light on. The whistle is operated by oxygen contained in a small bellows which empties when the inlet pressure falls. Disadvantages of this type of alarm are that the nitrous oxide supply must be present and the battery and bulb must be maintained.
Content and Design Copyright 2000 Dr. Malcolm C Brown. See Title Page for more details