Air Liquide Paediatric User manual

Paediatric
Home Oxygen
User Guide

2
Customer Service Team Helpline 0808 143 9991
Contents
Page
Quick Reference Guide 3
Calling the Customer Service Team
Online Portal
Outside of Normal Working Hours
Troubleshooting
Change of Details
Insurance
Our Service 4-5
Before You Start
Going Home
Keeping You Safe
Keeping Your Information Safe
Stay in Touch
Follow Up Call
An Introduction to Home
Oxygen 6
Why Does My Child Need Oxygen?
Using Home Oxygen
Home Oxygen Safety 7-15
The Fire Triangle
Fire Risk
Electronic Cigarettes and Other Personal
Electronic Devices
Oxygen Saturation (Enrichment)
Home Safety Visit
Smoking - The Risks
Storage and Usage
How do I check if oxygen is coming out?
Oxygen Tubing, Masks, and Nasal Cannulae
Oils and Grease
Baby Massage Therapy
Hand Sanitiser
Dynamic Air Flow Pressure Relieving
Mattresses
Beware of Tripping Over Your Oxygen Tube
Play and Activity
Slips, Trips and Falls
Going Out and About
Nursery and School
Swimming
Bathing a Baby
Going on Holiday - UK 16-17
Going Away in the UK
Taking the Same Equipment on Holiday?
Taking Dierent or More Equipment on
Holiday?
Conrming Your Holiday
Travelling to and from Your Destination
Going on Holiday - Abroad 18
Travelling Abroad
Planning on travelling by plane or boat?
How to Contact us with a
Concern or Compliment 19
How to Tell us if You Have a Concern
How to Pay a Compliment
Useful Contacts 20
Patient Declaration 21
Page

3Paediatric Home Oxygen User Guide
Quick Reference
Guide
Standard Deliveries, Enquiries or Requests.
Call our Customer Service Team
8:30am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday
Freephone (landline): 0808 143 9991
Freephone (mobile): 0330 123 5469*
Online Portal
Air Liquide has developed an online portal to
enable you to request replenishments, provide
concentrator meter readings, and share any
feedback/comments, without having to call in.
To register to use the portal go to
www.airliquidehomehealth.co.uk and follow
the instructions.
Outside of Normal Working
Hours
Outside of normal working hours our customer
service team should only be called in the
event of an emergency. For example, if your
equipment does not work or you have a
concentrator and there is a power cut.
Troubleshooting
If you are experiencing problems with your
equipment and cannot resolve it with this
guide, or your equipment guide, call our
customer service team.
Change of Details
To ensure your oxygen supply remains
uninterrupted, it is very important that we have
accurate and up to date information about you.
Please contact our customer services team or
access the portal to let us know if you change
any of your details, including:
lHome address
lTelephone number
Insurance
We recommend you inform your home
insurance provider that your child is using
oxygen equipment in your home. If your child
uses or carries home oxygen equipment when
travelling by car we recommend you inform
your motor insurance company. This should
not aect your insurance premium.
* Free to people who have a monthly minute bundle as
the call will be deducted from the inclusive minutes.

Our Service
Air Liquide Healthcare is a provider of home oxygen and
other healthcare services. We are committed to providing a
safe and effective home oxygen service for your child and
we want to provide you with all the support you may need
right from the very start.
4
Customer Service Team Helpline 0808 143 9991
Before You Start
Air Liquide appreciates that this can be an
anxious and uncertain time for you and your
family and as you may be unfamiliar with the
Home Oxygen Service, we have developed
this brochure to help answer some of your
questions.
Before you use any of your oxygen equipment
there are some simple and important safety
rules that you must follow. These will be
explained to you by your technician during
training. If you are unsure, please ask your
technician, call our customer service team,
or speak to your healthcare professional. We
have developed equipment tutorial videos
which are available for you to view on our
website. Please visit our website
www.airliquidehealthcare.co.uk for access
to these videos and other information.
Going Home
Your child’s healthcare professional will
order oxygen equipment when your child is
ready to go home. Prior to discharge, use the
opportunity to ask any questions you may
have about caring for your child.
This guide will help you through some simple
and important rules that you must follow as
well as some useful advice specically for
babies, young children and adolescents.
Please speak to your healthcare technician or
our customer services team should you have
any further questions.
Keeping You Safe
The technician who installed your child’s
equipment will also have carried out a risk
assessment. This risk assessment and the
servicing of any equipment will be completed
3 months after installation and then every 6
months, to keep equipment in good working
order and to ensure it continues to deliver
oxygen safely.
It is important that we are able to access your
property and equipment to complete this.
Failure to allow access may result in your
equipment being removed. The equipment
supplied remains the property of Air Liquide.
All equipment must be returned when no
longer required.

Our Service (cont.)
Our trained team is available to answer any questions you may have, to ensure you feel
completely at ease with the home oxygen equipment and service.
Keeping Your Information Safe
We understand how important it is to keep
your child’s personal data safe.
Your child’s information will be held securely
within our database which operates in line
with the current UK legislation and Information
Security standards. You will already have given
consent to your child’s healthcare professional
for them to share your child’s information
with us when you signed the Home Oxygen
Consent Form.
We are committed to sharing the minimum
amount of information necessary to ensure
your child’s continued safety. We will only
share your child’s information with healthcare
professionals involved in their care or the
administration of their care and with agencies
such as your local re and rescue service and
electricity distributor. We share your child’s
details with the electricity company who in
turn may contact you to discuss the benets of
being on their Priority Services Register. This
service is entirely optional and the electricity
company will provide the full details.
It is important that you keep us up to date with
any changes to your child’s data to ensure we
are able to uphold a safe and ecient service
for them.
You have a number of rights under data
protection law. You can nd more information
regarding these and other rights by checking
the Information Commissioner’s Oce
website at www.ico.org.uk or by referring to
the Air Liquide Healthcare privacy notice for
home oxygen patients, found on our website
www.airliquidehealthcare.co.uk
If however you would like to exercise any of
these rights or provide feedback regarding
how your child’s data has been used, you may
do so by contacting our data protection ocer
directly on: ALHomec[email protected]
Stay in Touch
We will contact you every 6 months to arrange
a risk assessment and/or concentrator
service, or to update you with any changes
to the service. We can do this by email where
appropriate, however there may be occasions
when we need to contact you by phone.
Please contact our customer service team to
update us with your preferred contact details.
Follow Up Call
Within two weeks of receiving your home
oxygen equipment, our customer service team
will contact you. We want to make sure you are
completely satised with your home oxygen
equipment and with the training and support
given to you at the time of installation.
5Paediatric Home Oxygen User Guide

If your child feels unwell and they require urgent medical attention, you must phone
the emergency services on 999. We are able to respond to power failures and some
equipment faults within 4 hours, but we are not an emergency service.
An Introduction to
Home Oxygen
Why Does My Child Need
Oxygen?
Everyone needs oxygen. Without it, we could
not survive, as our cells use oxygen and
nutrition from the foods we eat to make the
energy needed to function. The air that we
breathe contains approximately 21% oxygen.
Children with healthy lungs get all the oxygen
they need through normal breathing. Children
with lung and some other diseases may have
lower levels of oxygen in their blood, and it is
these children who may need extra oxygen.
Without sucient oxygen, most children nd
they are limited in what they can do. Oxygen
therapy can correct the low levels of oxygen
and give children who need it a better quality
of life.
Oxygen is not addictive but too much can be
harmful and too little may not be benecial.
Oxygen can only be prescribed by a
healthcare professional.
Using Home Oxygen
Your healthcare professional will have
completed a Home Oxygen Order Form
(HOOF) requesting your child’s oxygen
equipment. As part of your assessment they
will have determined how much oxygen your
child needs (litres per minute) and for how
long (hours per day). Oxygen is a prescribed
medicine; using more than prescribed can
make certain people unwell, and using less
than prescribed may be of no benet.
It is important that you:
lALWAYS follow the advice of your
healthcare professional
lALWAYS follow the important safety advice
lNEVER adjust the amount of oxygen
your child uses unless it is under the strict
instruction of your healthcare professional
lIf your child has been prescribed a variable
oxygen ow rate, your child’s healthcare
professional will have informed you when to
alter the ow
lIf your child feels unwell seek medical
attention
lNEVER use more or less oxygen than
prescribed by your healthcare professional
6
Customer Service Team Helpline 0808 143 9991

Home Oxygen Safety
The Fire Triangle
To start a re, three things are needed:
lFuel – something to burn
lHeat or a spark – something to set it alight
lOxygen – to support the re and keep it
going
Fire Risk
Oxygen is essential to sustain life, but has
several unique properties which expose you,
and those around you, to higher risk:
l It supports combustion - res thrive in
oxygen
lWe can’t see, smell or taste oxygen
lOxygen settles easily into the tiny spaces in
fabrics and hair
The air we breathe is made up of 21% oxygen
but the medical oxygen you use at home is
much higher, up to 90-100%, depending on
the equipment type. As materials that burn in
air will burn hotter and faster in oxygen, this
means that you need to take extra care around
any naked ames and other sources of ignition.
Home oxygen is safe to use when the safety
guidance is followed, however as materials
burn much faster and hotter in oxygen than in
air alone, it is therefore important that you:
lNEVER smoke or let anyone else smoke
near your child when they are using
their oxygen equipment, this includes
e-cigarettes
lNEVER charge an e-cigarette close to
your child when they are using their oxygen
equipment or near the equipment itself
lNEVER use or store oxygenequipment
within 3 metres (10 feet) of openres or
naked ames such as cigarettes,
e-cigarettes, matches,lighters,boilers,
gas cookers,opengas res, candles,or
machinery which could create sparks
lNEVER use or store oxygen equipment
within 1.5 metres (5 feet) of heatsources
(e.g. a radiator) and electrical appliances
such as, televisions,hair dryers, and toasters
lNEVER smoke when you are using an
aerosol e.g hairspray, or just afterwards
lREMEMBER birthday candles are a naked
ame. Take extra care if your child is using
oxygen equipment. Turn o the oxygen
and remove the cannulae or mask at least
15 minutes before your child blows out the
birthday candles
In the event of a re, leave the building immediately and ring 999. You should advise the
emergency operator that there is oxygen on the premises.
7Paediatric Home Oxygen User Guide
HEAT
OXYGEN FUEL

Home Oxygen Safety (cont.)
Electronic Cigarettes and Other
Personal Electronic Devices
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are battery
powered tobacco replacement products
which use a heating element (atomiser) to
produce a vapour which resembles smoke.
A number of incidents have been reported
across the UK involving e-cigarettes that
have exploded or ignited to cause a re
while recharging or in use in an oxygen rich
environment. It is recommended to only buy
e-cigarettes and chargers from new and from
reputable sellers that feature safety markings.
Other personal electronic devices that require
charging of their lithium ion batteries include
mobile phones, laptops, tablets, cameras,
e-bike batteries etc. All these devices must be
charged away from the area where oxygen
is used and stored. All personal rechargeable
electronic equipment should be visually
inspected prior to use and found to be free
from defects, cracks, damaged cables, burn
marks.
NEVER use e-cigarettes while using oxygen.
ALWAYS charge your personal electronic
devices away from the area where oxygen is
used and stored and NEVER in an oxygen-rich
environment.
Oxygen Saturation
(Enrichment)
Oxygen itself does not burn, but it does help
a re to start and to keep burning. If air is
enriched with increased levels of oxygen, there
is a chance that a re will start and spread
more quickly, and continue to burn hotter and
faster.
Because oxygen can build up unnoticed and
saturate our surroundings, home oxygen users
are at greater risk from their clothing, bedding,
furniture and hair catching re if they smoke,
or if other people smoke in close proximity
to them. In oxygen-rich areas, fabrics, wood,
paper and other materials which normally
do not burn easily in air could suddenly catch
re on contact with a small spark from a lit
cigarette or electronic cigarette.
Because of this, you should:
lALWAYS turn o your oxygen equipment
when your child is not using it
lALWAYS use or store your oxygen
equipment in a well ventilated area
lNEVER place your oxygen equipment near
curtains or cover it with coats, blankets
or other materials that may restrict the air
circulation around it
lNEVER leave the cannula or mask on the
bed or chair when your oxygen equipment is
switched on
lVentilate any clothing or bedding, where it
is suspected that it has become saturated
with oxygen, to ensure that any oxygen
enrichment is cleared. It can take at least 15
minutes to adequately ventilate clothing or
30 minutes to ventilate bedding before it is
safe to approach with a source of ignition
Home Safety Visit
As your child is an oxygen user you may
receive a home safety visit from your local
Fire and Rescue Service. They can help you
manage any risks and plan how to evacuate
the building in the event of a re. The Fire and
Rescue Service will oer safety advice at your
premises and where appropriate they may
install/deliver suitable equipment for safety.
If you are contacted by them it is important you
allow them to visit your home. Your clinician
may consider removing the oxygen equipment
if you fail to cooperate with the Fire and
Rescue Service.
8
Customer Service Team Helpline 0808 143 9991

Home Oxygen Safety (cont.)
Smoking - The Risks
Smoking increases the risk of developing
serious health conditions. Every year around
78,000 people in the UK die from smoking,
with many more living with debilitating
smoking-related illnesses.
Oxygen therapy is a life-enhancing therapy
and for many diseases and conditions it
reduces the risk of complications when your
oxygen blood levels are reduced. If oxygen
is used in the vicinity of someone smoking, it
poses serious safety risks.
Smoking can worsen or prolong the
symptoms of respiratory conditions and
the benecial eect of oxygen therapy
may be oset by the harmful eects of this.
Furthermore, friends and family who breathe in
second-hand smoke regularly are more likely
to get the same diseases as smokers including
lung cancer and heart disease.
Passive smoking is harmful to others,
particularly children. Stopping smoking is
a really eective way to benet your child’s
health. In order to avoid these risks and to
ensure your child continues to receive the
benecial eects of oxygen therapy, you may
like to maintain your home as a smoke-free
environment.
The most serious incidents involving
the use of home oxygen are caused by
smoking which is why you should NEVER
smoke or let anyone else smoke near your
child when they are using their oxygen
equipment.
Remember
NEVER smoke a cigarette or use an electronic
cigarette close to your child when they are
using the oxygen.
NEVER charge an electronic cigarette or
similar device close to your child using oxygen
therapy or near to the oxygen source itself.
Ready to Quit
It is never too late to give up, no matter how
long you have smoked. Your quality of life will
improve and you will reduce the risk of a fatal
re by stopping smoking, especially now you
are using home oxygen. 2 out of every 3 res
in homes where home oxygen is used are the
result of the oxygen user smoking.
Getting support from friends, family and
professionals is very important and research
shows that people who get support from stop
smoking services are four times more likely to
succeed compared to those who don’t.
When you stop, you give your lungs the chance
to repair and you’ll be able to breathe easier.
There are lots of other benets too, and they
start almost immediately. Not only does it
improve your physical health but it also boosts
your mental health and wellbeing.
Support and Advice
Free NHS smoking cessation helpline:
0800 022 4332. Lines are open Monday-
Friday from 9am to 8pm; Saturday & Sunday
from 11am to 5pm. Or visit their website
www.smokefree.nhs.uk to download Smoke
Free app.
Alternatively, for advice and support regarding
smoking cessation, talk to your GP or nurse.
9Paediatric Home Oxygen User Guide

Home Oxygen Safety (cont.)
Storage and Usage
You should always follow the advice given
to you by your technician about the safest
place to store and use your child’s oxygen
equipment.
It is important that you:
lALWAYS keep cylinders laid at or secured
upright in a position to prevent them
falling over, especially when children are
around. Keep the equipment away from
small children to avoid risks of inadvertent
tampering
lALWAYS ensure your oxygen equipment is
stored in a well ventilated area, kept clean,
dry and away from any sources of heat or
re e.g. paran or convection heaters, gas or
electric res and cookers
lNEVER store your oxygen equipment close
to paint, oil-based products, grease or any
domestic heating gases e.g. in a garage or
shed where these items may be stored
lNEVER keep combustible materials near
your oxygen equipment e.g. newspapers
and magazines and other items that may
burn easily
lNEVER modify or tamper with your
oxygen tubing by adding to it, or changing
components
lNEVER remove or tamper with the
rebreaks in the tubing. A re break is a
safety device tted between a cannula or
mask and the tubing attached to the oxygen
equipment
Your oxygen equipment should be stored in
line with your technician’s instructions and
should never be left exposed to the weather.
This information applies to all places where
oxygen equipment is used or stored, and when
travelling with it.
How do I check if oxygen is
coming out?
If your child uses a very low ow rate, you might
nd it dicult to determine whether oxygen
is owing. If at any time you are concerned
that the cylinder is not delivering any oxygen,
specically with low ow rates:
1. Check that the tubing has not become
trapped or kinked obstructing the ow
2. Place only the tips of the cannulae into a
saucer of water to ensure the water bubbles
3. Once you have established oxygen ow,
wipe and dry the tips of the cannulae before
placing into the child’s nostrils
NEVER completely immerse the end of the
cannula in the water.
Oxygen Tubing, Masks, and
Nasal Cannulae
Oxygen Tubing
As part of our technician’s risk assessment,
they will speak with you about locating your
oxygen equipment in the most ideal location,
that is both safe and easily accessible. They
will measure and cut your oxygen tubing at
a length that allows your child to reach the
required areas of your home. The maximum
permitted tubing length is 15 metres (inclusive
of the nasal cannulae or mask tubing), but it
should always be kept as short as possible to
reduce the risk of tripping and falls.
It is important that you only use tubing that has
been supplied and installed by Air Liquide as
these have been tested for compatibility with
our equipment. Please do not cut it yourself
or add other tubing as doing so may aect the
oxygen ow rate.
10
Customer Service Team Helpline 0808 143 9991

Home Oxygen Safety (cont.)
Our freeline tubing is crush resistant, but
please always be vigilant that it does not
become kinked, trapped under furniture or
under a door, and that it remains connected to
your oxygen supply at all times.
If you use a static concentrator, your technician
will install a rebreak in the tubing. This will
make it safer in the event of a re by stopping
the ame burning along the oxygen tubing and
towards the concentrator. You must NEVER
remove the rebreak from the tubing but if it
does become disconnected, you can ret it
again. If your rebreak has a blue directional
arrow printed on it, ALWAYS ensure the arrow
on the rebreak points in the direction of
oxygen ow.
Your nasal cannulae and/or face masks should
be kept as clean as possible. Please check
the tubing regularly for signs of damage such
as splits and kinking and follow this advice for
maintaining them. You may wish to keep a note
of the cannulae size or product number so you
can easily re-order.
Oxygen Masks
Oxygen masks should be cleaned regularly
in hot soapy water, rinsed and then air dried
before use (do not dry with a towel/cloth). Any
mask with a reservoir bag attached should
NEVER be submerged in water. Masks can
last approximately 6 months with regular
cleaning.
They should be changed when used for the
following hours per day:
l0-12 hours change every year
l12-24 hours change every 6 months
Nasal Cannulae
Your child’s cannulae can easily become
blocked by nasal secretions and mucus,
especially if they have a cold. Over time
nasal cannulae will become hard/brittle if not
changed and may cause nasal irritation and
discomfort.
The tips of the nasal cannulae can be
wiped with a warm soapy cloth, but NEVER
submerge them in water because water
droplets can nd their way into the tubing and
increase the risk of chest infections. Please
change your cannulae on the advice of your
healthcare professional – advice can depend
on your clinical condition but on average
it should be changed when used for the
following hours per day:
l0-12 hours change every 2 months
l12-24 hours change every month
Oxygen and dryness
Your child may experience some drying in
their nose and throat when they rst start
using home oxygen. This can ease over time,
however if it is a problem, staying adequately
hydrated can help, together with regular mouth
and nose care (with suitable water-based
products). Please contact your healthcare
professional for further advice.
Nasal Cannulae Fitting
Secure your child’s nasal cannulae as you
have been advised to do so by your healthcare
professional. We can supply Tender Grips
(small stickers) on request, enough to last
between visits, to help secure the tubing to
your child’s face.
11 Paediatric Home Oxygen User Guide

Home Oxygen Safety (cont.)
Oils and Grease
Skin creams, sometimes known as emollients,
are used by many people every day to help
manage dierent dry skin conditions such
as eczema and psoriasis. They are easily
transferred from skin on to clothing, bedding
and furnishings. When fabric with dried-on
emollient comes into contact with a naked
ame, the fabric acts as a wick and the
emollient product as an accelerant, the
resulting re burns quickly and intensely.
Changing and washing the bedding or clothing
regularly can reduce a build up, but it does not
totally remove it.
Therefore it is important not to smoke or come
into contact with naked ames when using
emollients.
lNEVER use oils or grease near your oxygen
equipment or near a heat source
lALWAYS ensure you inform your healthcare
professional if you have been prescribed
an oil-based product for a skin condition.
A water-based product MAY be a suitable
alternative
lALWAYS make sure your hands are clean
when using oxygen equipment
Discuss with your healthcare professional or
pharmacist if you are unsure.
Baby Massage Therapy
If you have been advised to apply baby
massage therapy, please speak with your
baby’s healthcare professional to inform them
that your child is on oxygen so they can advise
you on the safest water-based creams and
lotions to use on your baby’s skin.
Hand Sanitiser
Always rub it in completely, for at least 30
seconds, and ensure that it fully evaporates
from your hands before you touch your oxygen
equipment or go near a source of ignition.
Dynamic Air Flow Pressure
Relieving Mattresses
Also known as ‘air mattresses’, these are
provided for prevention and treatment of
pressure ulcers (bedsores). They are lled
with air by an electrical pump. If the mattress
becomes punctured, the pump works harder
to keep the mattress inated. Where the
puncture is caused by an ignition source
such as smoking, this can cause a re. When
oxygen is in use, the re can burn much hotter
and spread much more quickly.
NEVER smoke, burn candles or use lighters/
matches in a room whilst using an air mattress.
NEVER place hot electrical items such as hair
dryers or straighteners on an air mattress.
NEVER use electric blankets whilst using
oxygen and an air mattress.
12
Customer Service Team Helpline 0808 143 9991

Beware of Tripping Over Your
Oxygen Tube
Your healthcare technician will consult with
you to determine the length of oxygen tubing
that safely meets your child’s needs. Please be
mindful that longer tubing increases the risk of
tripping so everyone in your home should take
extra care.
It is your responsibility to remain safe
whilst the oxygen is being used.
The oxygen equipment has been installed
following a risk assessment by your healthcare
technician. The length of your oxygen tubing
will give your child the greatest freedom
around the home, keeping it as short as
possible while meeting their needs, up to
a maximum distance of 15 metres/50 feet,
inclusive of the nasal cannulae or mask tubing.
When moving around your home, please
remember that the oxygen tubing is trailing
behind you and around your feet. By always
holding the tubing when you move, you will be
more aware of it as you and your child go about
your activities.
Here are some tips:
lALWAYS keep tubing away from your feet
when walking and take care not to slip or trip
over it, especially on staircases
lALWAYS ensure tubing does not become
trapped under doors, cots or heavy furniture
as you move around your home
lALWAYS speak to your child’s healthcare
professional if you would like to take them o
oxygen for short periods of time for moving
around the home or bathing etc
lALWAYS contact our customer service
team who will arrange for your healthcare
technician to visit if you feel your child’s
equipment could be moved to a dierent
location within your home
If your child uses a micro or low ow meter,
the easiest way to transfer to another oxygen
cylinder is to disconnect it and re-connect
to the new cylinder with the cannulae still
attached.
You should take care to ensure:
lYour tubing does not get kinked, damaged,
trapped under doors, cots, high chairs or
crushed under equipment and furniture as
this could aect the ow of oxygen
lYour tubing does not pass close to naked
ames including gas res, gas cookers
and candles, or hot items such as electric
cookers, heaters and lamps. These could
damage or melt the tubing and cut o your
child’s oxygen supply or even cause a re
lChildren are supervised around the tubing at
all times, ensuring they do not get tangled in
it or disconnect it
lYour pets do not bite or chew on the tubing
NEVER modify, remove, or tamper with the
oxygen tubing and rebreaks.
Play and Activity
Taking part in play and activities is important
for social interaction and milestone
development for children. Please consult
your healthcare professional and any relevant
parties for advice on the extent and limitations
of your child’s ability to participate in play and
activities.
Play can be in the home or at a play centre
such as play groups, day centre or an
educational setting. The presence of an
oxygen supply should not hinder your
child joining in these activities as long as
precautions are taken to minimise risk to
ensure your child and those around them
are safe.
13 Paediatric Home Oxygen User Guide

Home Oxygen Safety (cont.)
Slips, Trips and Falls
You may like to consider making some
adaptations to improve safety and reduce the
risk of slips, trips and falls.
Here are some examples:
Rearrange furniture so that you can move
around more easily
Coil cords and wires up close to the wall
Organise appliances close to plug sockets
Ensure light bulbs and lights are working
Clear away clutter
Be aware of loose bedding on the oor
Clean up any spills or dropped food
Non-slip matting (e.g. in the bathroom) can
help reduce the risk of slipping
Remove loose rugs/mats or secure with
double-sided carpet tape
Be aware that long, loose-tting clothing can
cause tripping
Keep emergency numbers nearby
Contact our customer service team if
you have any questions or are experiencing
diculties with your oxygen tubing.
Going Out and About
If your child’s healthcare professional has
ordered portable oxygen equipment, it is
important that you and your child familiarise
yourselves with it when going out and about.
When you are ready to go out, remember to
check the oxygen ow and contents of your
portable oxygen equipment before leaving the
home. When using a portable cylinder, check
that the oxygen supply is enough for the time
you will be out (refer to your specication
sheet for durations).
Portable cylinders will come with a carry bag to
make it easier to travel in the pushchair or car.
This is the safest way to transport the cylinder.
The cylinder can be placed in the shopping
bottom compartment of the pushchair.
NEVER balance the oxygen on the pushchair.
ALWAYS pack a replacement cannulae or
mask in case needed when out.
ALWAYS distribute the weight of the oxygen
evenly to avoid the pushchair toppling over.
ALWAYS locate the oxygen as low as possible
so it is less likely to fall.
ALWAYS transport liquid oxygen units upright
to prevent oxygen escaping – when in a car, it
is advisable to hang a liquid oxygen unit over
the back of a car seat to ensure it remains
upright.
14
Customer Service Team Helpline 0808 143 9991

Home Oxygen Safety (cont.)
15 Paediatric Home Oxygen User Guide
Nursery and School
Many children who use oxygen attend a
nursery or school. Please speak to your
child’s healthcare professional if this applies
to you. There may be an option of setting up a
secondary supply there so that oxygen can be
supplied on a permanent basis. Our healthcare
technicians can visit the nursery or school to
help train the sta and answer their questions.
Swimming
Oxygen should not stop your child from
joining in most everyday activities including
swimming. You should check with your child’s
healthcare professional if it is safe.
Please contact the swimming pool in advance
of your visit so they can accommodate your
requirements. The portable oxygen equipment
must be kept on the side of the pool so it does
not get wet. Call our customer service team to
request a longer length of tubing and additional
nasal cannulae that will be used for swimming
purposes only. After swimming, ensure you
change your nasal cannulae and tubing to a
dry set.
Bathing a Baby
When bathing your child, using a bath mat may
help prevent slipping. If you have an oxygen
concentrator, this must NEVER be moved into
the bathroom. Instead, either run the tubing
into the bathroom or use your portable oxygen
equipment.
It is advised to use a separate nasal cannulae
to wear in the bath. The cannulae can be dried
with a quick blast of oxygen and then left to be
used for the next bath time.

Going on Holiday - UK
Going Away in the UK
To arrange for your oxygen equipment to
be delivered to your holiday destination you
should contact our customer service team
at least 3 working days before you plan to
travel.
Before you do, please:
lContact your healthcare professional to
discuss your holiday plans
lContact your planned holiday destination
to gain permission for your oxygen
equipment to be delivered and stored in the
accommodation
If you are travelling by public transport you
should also contact the transport company to
inform them you will be carrying oxygen.
Taking the Same Equipment on
Holiday?
If you require the same equipment on holiday
that you use at home, you do not need a new
Home Oxygen Order Form (HOOF). You will
need to call our customer service team and
provide the following information:
lThe full holiday destination address
(including postcode)
lThe start and end dates of your holiday
lAny booking references or the name under
which the reservation has been made
lContact details for somebody who can take
receipt of your oxygen equipment before
you arrive at your destination
lA mobile number if possible
It is possible to travel and go on holiday with home oxygen
but it is important that you plan your trip in advance and
that you seek medical advice before you travel.
16
Customer Service Team Helpline 0808 143 9991

Taking Dierent or More
Equipment on Holiday?
If you require dierent or additional oxygen
equipment for your holiday you will need to
contact your healthcare professional and ask
them to send a new HOOF. This should be
sent at least 3 working days before you plan
to travel.
Conrming Your Holiday
We will write to you to conrm your request for
your holiday supply. If you are travelling outside
of an Air Liquide region we will tell you who the
supplier will be.
If you have not received conrmation of your
holiday the day before you travel, you should
contact the regional supplier responsible for
delivering your holiday equipment. We will
send you a communication with the details of
your holiday provider.
Travelling to and from Your
Destination
If you use portable oxygen equipment
REMEMBER to take enough for your return
journey. ALWAYS bring home any portable
oxygen equipment that you took from your
home supply and do not leave it at your
destination.
When travelling with your oxygen equipment
in a car, it is your responsibility to ensure
it is secured safely. Please safely secure
spare cylinders in the boot. If sitting in the front
passenger/driver seat; secure your portable
oxygen equipment behind the front seat or
strapped in the back seat.
NEVER smoke or allow anyone to smoke
while using oxygen in the car.
NEVER use oxygen in a fuel station.
NEVER store cylinders in the car unattended.
Place them in the boot out of view.
ALWAYS keep the car well ventilated when
carrying oxygen.
ALWAYS keep your liquid portable unit upright
at all times.
ALWAYS keep the amount of oxygen
cylinders in your car to a minimum.
If you are unable to travel or your plans change you should call our customer service
team.
17 Paediatric Home Oxygen User Guide
Going on Holiday - UK (cont.)

Going on Holiday -
Abroad
Before booking a holiday outside of the UK you should ALWAYS discuss your plans with
your healthcare professional.
You should NEVER take the equipment supplied by Air Liquide outside of the UK.
Travelling Abroad
Equipment provided by Air Liquide for the
NHS home oxygen service cannot be taken
out of the UK. Air Liquide is not able to arrange
oxygen for use outside of the UK, however we
can oer advice and support.
If you are travelling in the EEA (European
Economic Area) we recommend that you
apply for a GHIC (Global Health Insurance
Card). This gives you the right to access state
provided healthcare during a temporary stay in
the European Union.
Visit www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/
healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-
global-health-insurance-card-ghic/ for the
current and up to date information, alternatively
you can call 0191 218 1999 to speak with NHS
Overseas Healthcare Services.
Other useful resources include:
lThe Department of Health helpline
0207 210 4850
www.dh.gov.uk/travellers
lThe British Lung Foundation helpline
03000 030 555
www.blf.org.uk
lThe NHS Choices website Healthcare
Abroad section:
www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/
Healthcareabroad
Planning on travelling by plane
or boat?
Before booking your ticket you should discuss
your plans with your healthcare professional.
If you plan to y, you may need a tness to y
assessment.
You should also conrm:
lThe carrier’s policy on travelling with oxygen
l The exact length of the ight or cruise
lThe facilities and assistance available at
ports of departure and arrival
Once you have agreed your holiday plans with
your healthcare professional, make sure that
your travel insurance provider is aware of your
oxygen requirements.
Oxygen requirements outside the UK are not
covered by the NHS Home Oxygen Service.
18
Customer Service Team Helpline 0808 143 9991

How to Contact us with a
Concern or Compliment
How to Tell us if You Have a Concern
If you have any problems or concerns with the service you
should call our customer service team or use our online
patient portal www.airliquidehomehealth.co.uk.
Freephone (landline): 0808 143 9991
Freephone (mobile): 0330 123 5469*
Email: alhomecare.patientsuppor[email protected]
Alternatively, you can write to:
Home Oxygen Service
Air Liquide Healthcare Limited
Alpha House
Wassage Way
Hampton Lovett
Droitwich
WR9 0NX
How to Pay a Compliment
If you are happy with the services you have
received from Air Liquide, we would love to hear
from you. You can feedback compliments using
the same details as above.
* Free to people who have a monthly minute bundle as
the call will be deducted from the inclusive minutes.
19 Paediatric Home Oxygen User Guide

Useful Contacts
Stop Smoking Service
Free friendly advice and support is available if
you want to stop smoking.
Telephone: [phone]
Website: www.smokefree.nhs.uk
Pulmonary Hypertension
Association
The PHA UK is the only charity in the UK
supporting people aected by pulmonary
hypertension.
Website: www.phassociation.uk.com
CF Trust
The CF Trust is the UK’s only national charity
dedicated to all aspects of Cystic Fibrosis.
Helpline: 0300 373 1000
Website: www.cysticbrosis.org.uk
OUCH
OUCH is the Organisation for the
Understanding of Cluster Headache.
Helpline: 01646 651 979
Website: www.ouchuk.org
British Lung Foundation
The BLF provides support and advice for
people.
Helpline: 03000 030 555
Website: www.blf.org.uk
ChILD Lung Foundation
Child Interstitial Lung Disease Foundation is
dedicated to families of children aected with
interstitial and diuse lung disease.
Website: www.childlungfoundation.org
Bliss
Bliss is the UK charity that cares for premature
and sick babies.
Helpline: 0500 618 140
Website: www.bliss.org.uk
Information Commissioner’s
Oce
The UKs independent authority set up to
uphold information rights in the public interest.
Helpline: 0303 123 11130
Website: www.ico.org.uk
20
Customer Service Team Helpline 0808 143 9991