Home Oxygen in Remote Areas

Abstract

Delivering long-term oxygen therapy in the homes of persons who live in remote areas can be a problem. Four isolated areas in North America—rural Manitoba, Canada; the Northwest Territories of Canada; Alaska; and the Colorado mountains—have home oxygen programs that illustrate that these problems can be overcome. The indications for home oxygen in remote areas are the same as elsewhere, and the local physicians must be educated in the indications for such therapy. An oxygen exchanger should be used wherever electricity is available. Patients in remote areas should also be supplied with a large standby oxygen cylinder and an E cylinder for mobility. Installation of home oxygen equipment can be done by a respiratory therapist, by an equipment dealer, or by the patient or a trained relative. Maintenance of the equipment can also be performed by these persons, as well as by a nurse or paramedic.