CPR/BLS and AED Level 2
Course Content
- Introduction to CPR and AED Level 2 Course
- Initial Care and Safety
- Heart Attack
- Cardiac Arrest and CPR
- Adult CPR Introduction
- RCUK & ERC Resus Guidelines
- When to call for assistance
- Three Steps to Save a Life (2025)
- Adult CPR
- CPR Hand Over
- Compressions Only CPR
- Child CPR
- Infant CPR
- Drowning
- Adolescent CPR
- Infant Recovery Position
- Bag Valve Masks (optional)
- SADS
- Effective CPR
- Improving compressions
- Improving breaths
- Seizures and Cardiac Arrest
- Advanced Decision and DNR CPR in Basic Life Support
- AED Introduction and Types
- Using an AED
- AED Maintenance
- AED Locations
- Summary and Practical Options
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Oxygen for First Aid
Oxygen is a medical gas used in first aid and in hospitals and other medical applications. There are special courses, we do a course in how to actually use oxygen, but in this video we are just going to have a little bit look at the basics so that you are aware of how oxygen can be used, how to use the cylinder, the components of it, either to use in an emergency or if you are helping a qualified person or a paramedic and you can help set up the oxygen system. Now, the oxygen kits come in different types of containers. This one here is a backpack idea but sometimes they are in a barrel bag, or a solid plastic box. But a key thing with the bags and the storage for them is you need to make sure that the cylinder is not going to get damaged at any point in time. So when you are using oxygen and storing oxygen and you are putting it into a bag, make sure it is securely fixed inside. And also when you are transporting the bag, do not have this rattling around the back of a car where it could get damaged. Now, oxygen itself is part of the fire triangle so this is potentially something very dangerous if it gets involved with any other part of the fire triangle and we need to make sure that we keep it safe. We do not want the cylinder getting damaged because it is pressurised so it could cause an explosion. If the cylinder was involved in a fire and explodes then we are putting neat oxygen straight into a a fire scene which could be very very dangerous. Now the oxygen itself we are using within first aid and medical use is what is called medical grade oxygen. This is not welding oxygen which is not pure enough. We must only use medical-grade oxygen for use with any first aid emergency. Now this is a standard cylinder that will be in a first aid kit system like this however there are much much larger cylinders and some smaller ones for oxygen as well. You will see these very large containers in hospitals, in backs of ambulances that tend to have a larger one and then maybe just the smaller ones that are used out for where the patient is. Now what we are going to start with is just having a quick look at the cylinder itself. Now with storage, if you take it out of the bag, always make sure this is laying flat down because you do not want to leave it laying up because what could happen is it falls over and gets damaged. So, this particular cylinder here is a BOC cylinder. You have got the regulator built into the cylinder so everything is in one place. You don't need to clamp a regulator on separately. Other cylinders could be pin index-type cylinders or you have a separate regulator but this is the most common one you will see. On the side of the cylinder, you have got the on-off button and lets you just turn it to turn it on and don't force it as far open as it will go because as the cylinder changes in temperature the knob can get stuck so just open it up fully and then turn it half a turn back. Also on here, you have got a gauge that tells you how much oxygen is in the cylinder. On here it is in the red and the green so it should always be in the green to start with and as you are using it the gauge will go slower and slower down. On the back of the cylinder you have got a constant flow outlet. This is what we are connecting the option up to and on the very top, there is the control knob which actually you can set the flow rate. Now these cylinders work from zero as in stops up to 15 litres per minute so that is how much oxygen is actually coming out of the cylinder. There are some applications where you need higher levels than that but they are not so common within the first aid world, they are mainly used in things like scuba diving where you would have a flow rate building up to 25 litres a minute and sometimes even a demand valve which gives even higher rates. But this cylinder here up to 15 litres a minute. Easy answer with it is you just turn it full on to 15 meters minute the whole time and that will just discharge the oxygen. So to set the cylinder up it is literally a matter of pushing the mask onto this tube and the mask we are using here is called a non-rebreather mask which is the most common mask. It has got a little nose clip there you can clip it over to the patient. This goes behind the head. To adjust it you just literally pull these ends here and that will fit it nicely tightly onto their face. Basically, the oxygen comes up this tube, it goes into this bag which expands out, and then the patient is inhaling from the bag. So they are getting pure oxygen when they breathe in. There are vents on the side to let the exhaled air out and when you are using this, this bag, it does move in and out but it does not always but its important thing is we are making sure that all of the area within this mask has got pure oxygen in it. To use it we simply just take the end and it's a push fit so literally you just take the end on here push it onto the cylinder and that's it no need to put clips or anything like that on it. Then we just turn the cylinder on. Once it is then on, turn it fully on, half a turn back, set the knob on here and we'll just run this for example 15 litres a minute, lay the cylinder down and then just to prime the bag you can pop your finger on the end just fills the bag up, and now that is ready to use. So they literally just put it over the patient's head and they continue to breathe in it. To stop the flow we first off turn it at the top down to zero. The button on the side we can turn clockwise which closes it off so it takes all the oxygen out and then there is still pressure inside the regulator so just to clear that pressure we just turn the knob up, it will hiss for a few seconds and then stop and then we can turn that back down to zero. We can remove the pipe, cover it over, and that cylinder is ready for the next application or it's been used we can swap that over for another one. The masks themselves are single use masks we just literally put this on and we just throw the mask away afterwards because you don't want any infection risk from the patient a to patient b. And when you're caring for someone who's wearing one of these masks there's a great temptation for them to take it off to talk. Try and encourage them to leave it on in place. If they have to remove it, maybe just pull it away from their face a little bit so at least they're getting oxygen around their mouth, but try and get them to keep it on. These masks do not work when they are sat around your neck and so you do need to keep it onto the face itself. There are other types of masks available and there are certain times where you would not want to use continuous flow of oxygen. Maybe if the patient has got something like COPD, make sure the oxygen is available if it is there, assist someone putting it together. Remember this is a potentially dangerous gas in the sense that it is flammable but it is also odourless and tasteless. One thing people might say you put the mask on it makes them feel dizzy and things like that. It probably doesn't, they may be just feeling that. This will have no effect but it has on how they feel in that way but it will have a positive impact by putting more oxygen into their lungs. They are getting a much higher build up of oxygen in their bloodstream which make them feel better much much quicker. And it can be used in a whole array of different things from injury to heart conditions lots and lots of different applications for oxygen use. And finally, if you are using a defibrillator, you need to move the oxygen away when you are going to shock. So you can lift mask off the patient or turn the oxygen flow off, pull it away from the patient. The reason for this is when the patient is shocked, there is the possibility of a spark, which again would be problem if you have got pure oxygen around the patient at that moment in time.
Oxygen Administration in Emergency Care
Benefits of Oxygen in Emergencies
Oxygen therapy is crucial in various medical scenarios such as shock or heart attacks. Enhancing oxygen concentration in the body significantly boosts the odds of survival, especially during CPR.
Oxygen Safety and the Fire Triangle
Caution: Oxygen is a key component of the Fire Triangle, implying a risk of fire. Mitigate this by maintaining equipment properly and ensuring secure storage.
Transporting Oxygen Safely
When transporting oxygen in a vehicle, display a sign indicating its presence. This ensures emergency services are aware in case of an accident.
Storing Oxygen Tanks
Store oxygen tanks upright to prevent damage. Use the carry handle for safe handling.
Operating the Oxygen Tank
- Regulator and Gauge: The regulator manages oxygen flow, and the gauge indicates remaining oxygen.
- Valve Operation: Open the valve gently to start the flow, avoiding forceful handling.
Utilising Non-rebreather Masks
Non-rebreather masks, suitable for conscious or unconscious breathing patients, provide nearly 100% oxygen. Communicate clearly with the patient to ease discomfort and ensure effective usage.
Contraindications and Cautions
In certain conditions like COPD, administering pure oxygen can be detrimental. Always assess the patient's medical history before oxygen therapy.
Post-Use Procedures
After emergency services take over, responsibly pack away the equipment. Safely dispose of the mask, turn off and store the tank, or arrange for its refill.
Conclusion
Oxygen therapy is a potent tool in emergency care. Its proper usage, combined with safety and maintenance protocols, can save lives while minimizing risks.
