Only trained professionals should use medical oxygen in emergency settings.
Oxygen is one of the basic components of life for humans. Depending upon the situation, you may need to use a medical oxygen unit or you may be in a high-altitude environment where altitude sickness can impair one's ability to function and make decisions. Knowing best control oxygen for your situation will help to increase your ability to focus and function in nearly any environment.
High Altitude Conditions
In high-altitude conditions, the concentration of oxygen in the air decreases with every step above sea level. Although different people respond to high-altitude conditions, the typical benchmark for acute mountain sickness and high altitude pulmonary edema starts around 8,000 feet and above. Measures for controlling and increasing the amount of oxygen available in such conditions include quickly descending or using an oxygen tank designed for climbing and mountaineering conditions. In a medical emergency when descending is not an option, a gamow bag may be used, which is a portable, inflatable air pressure bag that can simulate lower altitude conditions.
Medical Conditions
For those experiencing special types of medical conditions, such as sleep apnea or cardiac and respiratory problems, may use specialized oxygen equipment that delivers a higher dose of oxygen to an individual. Some medical oxygen usages include portable oxygen tanks that deliver pure oxygen. These portable oxygen canisters must be replaced and serviced on a regular basis when the oxygen has run out. Other units, called oxygen concentrators, deliver high doses of oxygen for sleep apnea patients while they are sleeping.
Medical Emergencies
During medical emergencies such as trauma, oxygen may be administered by trained staff or emergency responders. Similar to medical conditions, if an individual is experiencing the onset of cardiac or respiratory distress, then certain facilities, such as gyms or healthcare centers, may have trained staff to deliver concentrated emergency oxygen. Other medical conditions and emergencies such as fainting, anaphylaxis, hemorrhaging, shock or seizures may, at times, be improved with the administration of supplemental oxygen.
Recreation
Recreationally, there are several ways to control one's oxygen supply. As an example, high-altitude enthusiasts and mountaineers may train for environments with lower amounts of oxygen by running while breathing through a straw. Other tips for high-altitude enthusiasts includes a gradual process acclimatizing slowly and descending, which will increase the number of red blood cells in the body. Other individuals may enjoy using oxygen enriching deep breathing techniques, which can help improve focus and reduce stress.
Tags: medical conditions, medical oxygen, cardiac respiratory, emergencies such, high-altitude conditions