Saving lives

The aim of this article is to understand the safe use of oxygen in the dental practice.

Objectives

GDC development outcome C

The Resuscitation Council (UK) advises that dental practices should have immediate access to oxygen, oxygen tubing and non-rebreather oxygen masks in the event of needing to administer high flow oxygen in the emergency situation¹. Although oxygen can save lives by preventing severe hypoxaemia, if it isn’t administered and managed appropriately, there is a potential for serious harm and even death². In addition, a recent Patient Safety Alert³ has highlighted numerous cases where oxygen cylinders have been incorrectly used (operator error). Dental Nurses need to understand the principles of oxygen therapy, particularly on how to use oxygen cylinders