How long should a passenger remain on supplemental oxygen relative to the POC function?

How long should a passenger remain on supplemental oxygen relative to the POC function?

• A. Until landing or POC functioning
• B. For 5 minutes
• C. For the entire flight only if needed
• D. Only until oxygen runs out

Answer: (A)

Oxygen must be provided continuously during flight because cabin pressure lowers the amount of oxygen available, increasing the risk of hypoxemia for someone who needs supplemental oxygen. The portable oxygen concentrator (POC) is the source that keeps that oxygen flowing, so you should keep the passenger on supplemental oxygen until the aircraft lands or until you have verified that the POC is functioning properly and can continuously deliver the prescribed flow for the rest of the flight. Only after landing would you consider stopping supplemental oxygen, assuming medical clearance and appropriate transition off oxygen.

Oxygen must be provided continuously during flight because cabin pressure lowers the amount of oxygen available, increasing the risk of hypoxemia for someone who needs supplemental oxygen. The portable oxygen concentrator (POC) is the source that keeps that oxygen flowing, so you should keep the passenger on supplemental oxygen until the aircraft lands or until you have verified that the POC is functioning properly and can continuously deliver the prescribed flow for the rest of the flight. Only after landing would you consider stopping supplemental oxygen, assuming medical clearance and appropriate transition off oxygen.