>In the early 1960s the expansion of recreational scuba diving led to the use of hyperbaric oxygen to treat dive injuries. It was still another decade before oxygen was recommended while transporting an injured diver to medical care. The use of oxygen first aid for diving injuries increased over the years, but implementation was slow. A review of DAN dive accident data in 1987 revealed that only 37 percent of injured divers received oxygen first aid and that oxygen use in first aid actually dropped between 1987 and 1990. To promote oxygen use, DAN introduced the DAN Oxygen First Aid Program in 1991, which has evolved over the years as understanding of treatment and equipment has grown.
>Oxygen units should not be exposed to temperatures higher than 125°F, so they should not be stored in motorized vehicles on hot days. When transporting units to and from dive sites, the equipment should be secured such that it will not fall or roll.
>Note that oxygen cylinders are regulated by the same laws as scuba cylinders and thus should undergo hydrostatic testing every five years.
>The standard procedure for oxygen-regulator maintenance involves service every two years or as the manufacturer recommends. The DAN website (DAN.org) provides a list of authorized service centers in the DAN America region.
>Along with the regulator service, check the oxygen washer to ensure it is free of cracks, dirt, grease and oil. If any of these are present, change the washer. When reseating the regulator, confirm that the pins are aligned with the oxygen tank valve, and test for leaks by turning on the system. As always, remember to depressurize the system before storing it.
>Service the oxygen-delivery mechanism (demand valve or manually triggered ventilator [MTV]) every two years or as recommended by the manufacturer. In addition, test MTVs and verify their function before each use. Test the demand valve by inhaling through the mask and exhaling away from it. Check the MTV by depressing the activation button then covering the ventilation outlet with the palm of your hand. It should automatically shut off. If it doesn't, don't use it, and send it in for servicing.
>Visually check hoses and tubes for cracks or stress marks before each outing and when the system is serviced. Replace these as necessary.
>Finally, inspect masks for cleanliness and signs of age.
>After each use, clean the system using the following procedure:
- Wipe down the cylinder and hoses to remove sand or dirt.
- Disassemble the demand valve or MTV.
- Soak plastic parts in a mild bleach solution for 10 minutes, rinse with fresh water, and allow to air dry.
- Do the same with the oronasal mask (Pocket MaskTM), but discard the chimney.
- When all parts are dry, place a new chimney on the oronasal mask, reassemble the system, and store it in its protective case.
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>To learn more, see "Oxygen as Definitive Treatment" (www.alertdiver.com/396). For detailed information and hands-on practice, sign up for a DAN Emergency Oxygen for Scuba Diving Injuries course.
- with a prescription
- with documentation of training (must be current)
>Many divers obtain prescriptions from dive physicians or personal physicians who understand the need for emergency oxygen at dive sites; however, the prescription technically limits the administration of the prescribed drug (oxygen in this case) to the person for whom the prescription is written. Some doctors may be willing to write a prospective prescription authorizing dispensing emergency oxygen, although they are not obligated to comply with such a request.
>For additional regulatory information and other suggestions, see DAN.org/Training/Oxygen_Regulations.
>© Alert Diver — Summer 2014