Setting-up the Pod emergency Oxygen delivery system
& guidelines for it’s correct use.
To set-up the Pod:
1. Place the cylinder with identified gas safely near the casualty in a secure position;
2. Flip off the two black rubber covers at each end of the Pod, revealing the low pressure input coupler and the ‘nipple’ for the Oxygen tubing for either a reservoir mask or bag-valve mask with the last choice being a pocket mask with O2 inlet;
3. Making sure the cylinder valve is ‘OPEN’;
4. Connect the low pressure hose to the Input Coupler on the Pod;
5. Twist the Pod’s centre control to 25L/min-1 ‘purge flow rate’ and allow the gas to flow through the Pod, clearing any water, etc., from within, before setting and leaving the flow rate at 15L/min-1;
6. The Pod nipple can now be connected to emergency Oxygen administration mask as dictated by the severity of the casualty, see below;
Note: The remaining Bar pressure within the cylinder can be monitored by using the standard dive gauge attached to the cylinders first stage (or a dive computer with a ‘sender’ that monitors the remaining level). If the cylinder’s supply is running low and the Emergency Rescue Services (EMS) are not yet on scene, obtain another cylinder (if available) to maintain the highest O2 concentration for the maximum period of time. With the quick release connection of the Pod to the LP hose, it can be instantly transferred to the new cylinder.
Pod use with a conscious, breathing, casualty
- Administer emergency gas supply with the highest FiO2 @ 15L/min-1;
- With the casualty in a secure position of comfort, place the high concentration Oxygen reservoir mask (non-rebreather mask) over the casualty’s mouth and nose and secure in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions;
- Monitor the casualty and record findings for the Emergency Medical Services;
- Record evolution and progression of any Evolved Gas Disease (DCI) signs and symptoms and report to a Diving Medical Officer - UK Institute of Naval Medicine DDMO - 07831 151523, or; Scottish Hyperbaric Medical Officer - 0845 604 8888, or; Diver’s Alert Network - International Emergency Contact Hotline - +1-919-684-9111 - Find more details here.
- When emergency medical Oxygen (100%) is available, disconnect from the Pod exit nozzle and reconnect to a medical Oxygen cylinder,
Pod use for the unconscious, breathing, casualty:
- Administer emergency gas supply with the highest FiO2 @ 15L/min-1;
- Move the casualty into the secure Recovery Position, placing the high concentration Oxygen reservoir mask over the casualty’s mouth and nose and secure in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions;
- Check for condensation and breath sounds to ensure the casualty is breathing;
- Monitor the casualty and record findings for the Emergency Medical Services;
- Assume Acute Progressive Neurological Decompression Illness if signs and symptoms present within 2 hours after a dive and report situation to a Diving Medical Officer: UK Institute of Naval Medicine DDMO - 07831 151523, or; Scottish Hyperbaric Medical Officer - 0845 604 8888, or; Diver’s Alert Network - International Emergency Contact Hotline - +1-919-684-9111 - See more details here
- When emergency medical Oxygen (100%) is available, disconnect from the Pod exit nozzle and reconnect to a medical Oxygen cylinder, without interrupting the flow of Oxygen.
Pod use for the non-breathing casualty (Drowning):
- Administer emergency gas supply with the highest
FiO2 @ 15L/min-1;
- Place the casualty on their back, Open, Check and
Maintain the Airway;
- Check for obvious signs of life;
- Perform 1 minute of rescue breathing with a Bag-Valve
Mask (BVM); 1 breath every 5 to 6 seconds;
- Place the BVM over the casualty’s mouth and nose (Rescuer 1)
while squeezing the bag (Rescuer 2);
- If no response after 1 minute, treat as for cardiac arrest as described under the next section.
Pod use for the non-breathing casualty (Cardiac Arrest):
- Open, check and maintain the airway, checking for normal breathing and signs of life;
- If not normal breathing, perform chest compressions at a rate of 100-120/min-1 at a depth of 5-6 cm with a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths;
- Confirm that EMS has been contacted and obtain or ask for an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) immediately, if available;
- Administer emergency gas supply with the highest FiO2 @ 15L/min-1;
- In cases of emergency Oxygen administration the Bag Valve Mask (BVM) method is preferred, alternatively use a standard high concentration Oxygen reservoir mask if you are unable or unwilling to perform artificial ventilation and perform chest compressions, as above;
- Use a pocket mask if no other mask is available, or in the first instance - while setting up equipment.
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Risks and hazards associated to Nitrox/Oxygen use:
IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT ALL USUAL SAFETY PROCEDURES BE FOLLOWED WHEN HANDLING CYLINDERS CONTAINING ANY INCREASED LEVEL OF OXYGEN. FOR FULL DETAILS OF RECOMMENDED PRECAUTIONS VIEW:
BOC’s Oxygen Safety Recommendations HERE (in particular from page 9 onwards).
The gas flowing through the RescuEAN Pod is at low pressure when entering the Pod as it has passed through a 1st stage - therefore the friction risk is greatly reduced.
As the Oxygen concentration in a cylinder can vary greatly - common sense and safety procedures (Please also refer to your Diving Certifier’s Guidelines for use of higher Oxygen concentrations) should make the use of the Pod safe for both the rescuer and the casualty.
These include:
- Avoid open flames. Do not use high concentrations of Nitrox or Oxygen within three metres/10 feet of open flames, cigarettes or other ignition sources.
- Keep high concentrations of Nitrox or Oxygen away from electrical equipment that may spark and use only in well-ventilated areas. In closed areas, Oxygen concentration can build up, resulting in a more combustible atmosphere.
- Keep all petroleum and hydrocarbon products (e.g., grease, oil, etc.) away from direct contact with high concentrations of Nitrox or Oxygen. Never use petroleum, silicone grease or oil on the RescuEAN Pod or on any Nitrox/Oxygen cylinders or regulators. High concentrations of Nitrox or Oxygen use equipment require special lubricants ONLY.
- Keep Nitrox and Oxygen cylinders away from heat sources.
When carrying cylinders, use both hands around the cylinder and avoid holding the cylinder by the valve because this can leave behind potentially combustible contaminates, including dirt and skin oil.