OXYGEN FAILURE WARNING DEVICE

Typical Number in Hospital:

Cost Bands:

References: 2

If the oxygen supply fails during anaesthesia or artificial ventilation the consequences may be disastrous, particularly if the nitrous oxide supply to the patient continues. Various types of oxygen failure warning device exist for inclusion on anaesthetic apparatus and breathing machines, and in oxygen pipelines. The simplest types include a Bosun's whistle in which a small bellows is held in the inflated state by the pressure of the oxygen supply. When the supply fails this bellows collapses, blowing a whistle. One type (the Bosun) also has a battery operated light, but most modern types incorporate a device for the automatic disconnection of other gases (or at least the nitrous oxide) should the oxygen fail or run out. Examples of oxygen failure warning devices include the Gardiner safety interlock, and types made by BOC, Vickers, Penlon, and EGC.

Unfortunately the introduction of these devices has been marred by occasional failure.

OXYGEN HOOD r=4

In cases of respiratory distress syndrome in newborns a small plastic box which opens on one side is placed over the baby's head and a humidified oxygen-enriched atmosphere supplied. This is more efficient than using a chamber containing the whole infant.