A device is described which sounds an alarm to warn of oxygen supply failure. A the same time the nitrous oxide flow is cut off, and a reservoir in the device provides a continuing oxygen flow to the patient for about a minute. This results in increased inspired oxygen levels temporarily, reducing the risk to the patient while the oxygen failure is being corrected.
References
1.
Memorandum from the Standing Sub-committee on Safety in Anaesthesia of the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland—Oxygen Supply pressure Failure Warning and Protection Devices (1976). Anaesthesia, 31, 316–318.
2.
RitchieJ. R. (1974): “A Simple and Reliable Warning Device for Failing Oxygen Pressure”, Brit. J. Anaesth., 46, 323.
