Oxygen is a crucial element of emergency medical care and sustained care for individuals with certain conditions. Checking the pressure of oxygen tanks is a crucial part of maintaining an oxygen supply. Testing oxygen tank pressure can be done very easily by following these three steps.
Testing Oxygen Tank Pressure
Ensure that the oxygen tank regulator is attached properly and tightly and that the oxygen tank valve is closed. Close the regulator valve to prevent oxygen from leaving the regulator. The regulator valve will be on the long side of the regulator and will display numbers representing liters per minute of oxygen flow on or under the valve.
Use the oxygen tank wrench to open the oxygen tank valve coming out of the top of the tank. The oxygen tank wrench will have a hole that fits the valve stem. Turn the valve stem counter-clockwise to open the valve. The gauge on the short end of the regulator will now display the oxygen tank pressure.
Close the oxygen tank valve. Slowly open the regulator valve and release the oxygen that is still in the regulator. If any oxygen is coming out after the regulator valve is all the way open, the oxygen tank valve is not closed completely.
Tip
An oxygen tank regulator can only be attached one way. It will be very obvious if the regulator is not attached properly. Local protocol will determine at what pressure a tank must be replaced. Turning is a clockwise direction will always close valves.
Warning
Never use any type of oil on an oxygen tank. Pressurized oxygen reacts explosively with oil. Always cap the tank to protect the valve stem sticking out of the top and be very cautious when moving an oxygen tank.
References
- "Mosby's EMT-Basic Textbook;" Walt Stoy PhD EMT-P CCEMT-P, Tom Platt MEd NREMT-P CCEMTP, Debra A. Lejeune MEd NREMT-P, Center for Emergency Medicine; 2006
- "Mosby's EMT-Intermediate Textbook;" Bruce R. Shade EMT-P EMS-I AAS, Thomas E. Collins Jr. MD FACEP, Elizabeth Wertz RN BSN MPM FACMPE PHRN EMT-P, Shirley A. Jones MSEd MHA EMT-P; 2002
