Why is the E/Pax Emergency Oxygen System so important during a medical emergency?

Life-threatening medical emergencies are usually accompanied by low tissue oxygen levels. If low oxygen levels progress, damage to the brain and other organs can occur.  Additionally, low oxygen levels to the heart may lead to cardiac arrest.  After you are assured that the victim's AIRWAY IS CLEARED and that the victim is BREATHING, supplemental emergency oxygen is often the most important first step in treatment.  In any situation requiring emergency oxygen, call a physician or EMS immediately.

How is the E/Pax Emergency Oxygen System employed?

Emergency oxygen is ONLY useful to persons who are breathing.  For the victim who is breathing, E/Pax emergency oxygen via a mask increases the oxygen concentration of the inhaled air.   

When should emergency oxygen be started?

E/Pax emergency oxygen should be started IMMEDIATELY AFTER a clear and open AIRWAY is established.  However, if CPR is required, conventional mouth-to-mouth (or mouth-to-barrier device) rescue breathing should be performed prior to administering oxygen.  Use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) obviously takes priority over oxygen (and should be administered as soon as possible), however, oxygen may greatly enhance the effectiveness of defibrillation.

Can oxygen ever be harmful in a medical emergency?

Oxygen is almost never harmful during a medical emergency.  It almost always enhances the likelihood of a better outcome for the victim.  The potential harmful effects of oxygen do not occur until after prolonged use (more than 1 one hour).   

Isn't oxygen dangerous? Can't it catch fire and explode?

Oxygen does not "catch fire" or explode.  However, oxygen substantially increases the rate at which flammable materials burn.  When combined with oxygen, oil, grease, and other hydrocarbons will become highly combustible and should NEVER be used on any part of the oxygen cylinder, cylinder valve, or other equipment used with oxygen.

Can the E/Pax Emergency Oxygen System be a substitute for CPR?

NO.  In the non-breathing victim situation, application of oxygen will not benefit the victim.

Is oxygen still needed after the arrest victim revives from CPR?

Yes.  Oxygen should be continued until the EMS arrives. Maintaining oxygen on the revived victim may prevent relapse into cardio respiratory arrest.

Is oxygen still needed after the victim who is breathing improves or "recovers"?

Yes.  Oxygen should be continued until the EMS arrives. Maintaining oxygen on the improved or "recovered" victim may prevent relapse into cardio respiratory arrest.

Will emergency oxygen substitute for the Heimlich Maneuver?

NO.  The airway MUST be cleared of the obstructing food or object.  Oxygen alone will not help the victim.  Once the obstruction is cleared, oxygen should be applied to aid in recovery.

If the victim has not had a respiratory or cardiac arrest but appears to have difficulty breathing, should I apply E/Pax emergency oxygen?

Yes.  If the victim has labored breathing, applying E/Pax emergency oxygen is one of the most important things you can do to potentially prevent an arrest.

Does the E/Pax Emergency Oxygen System require a doctor's prescription?

NO.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the regulating government agency for oxygen, requires a prescription for medical oxygen, but has EXEMPTED this requirement for emergency applications since 1972.  For other medical uses, federal law restricts oxygen to be used by or on the order of a doctor.

Who can provide E/Pax emergency oxygen?

Any adult properly instructed in its use.  FDA, FAA, OSHA and other concerned agencies DO NOT determine what constitutes proper training.  All of the necessary training materials are included with every E/Pax Emergency Oxygen System and must be reviewed prior to administering any emergency oxygen.  The E/Pax emergency oxygen system should always be kept out of the reach of children.

What are the legal requirements for maintaining an E/Pax Emergency Oxygen System?

Federal regulations (under the DOT) regarding refillable oxygen cylinders require hydrostatic testing of the cylinder every ten (10) years for steel cylinders and five (5) years for aluminum cylinders, but only if and when the cylinder is refilled.  This is accomplished by the refilling agency. Unless you are a certified refilling site, you should NOT refill your own cylinders.

If I am not sure whether to give E/Pax emergency oxygen, what should I do?

As soon as your are certain that the victim's airway is clear and that the victim is breathing, it is far better to over use oxygen than to under use it and miss the opportunity to improve the victim's condition.  REMEMBER, it is not harmful and may save a life.

Again, emergency oxygen is of no value to persons who are not breathing.

Do you process orders to Hawaii?  Is there an additional charge?

Yes, we do process orders going to Hawaii for an additional fee of $70 per cylinder.

Use our normal checkout system.  We will recognize the order as going to Hawaii and properly add the additional fee.

Your order will ship from us as two shippments - one going to you with everything except the cylinder, and one with the cylinder(s) going to our local oxygen supplier on your island.  The local oxygen supplier will fill your cylinder(s).  Once filled, your cylinder(s) will be made available for you to pick up within about 1-2 weeks of your order.  We will be in touch via email to let you know the status of your order.
 
Click here to learn more about the E/Pax Emergency Oxygen System

Lastly, the E/Pax Emergency Oxygen System should NEVER be relied on in place of professional medical assistance, but it can often make the difference in the first, and often, most crucial minutes of a medical emergency.