EMS Oxygen Kit Field Manual: R&B Fabrications Initial Stock SOP

How to Guides - Product Field Manual SOPs - Luminary Global

EMS Oxygen Kit Field Manual: R&B Fabrications Initial Stock SOP

Category: First Aid

Difficulty Level: Tier 4: Professional or Advanced Training Required

Complete Field Manual - FREE

Download the official step-by-step PDF guide.

📥 Download PDF Guide

Written by: Valerie Ellis Lavin

Quick Overview

An EMS oxygen bag initial stock kit is a standardized loadout of oxygen delivery and ventilatory support equipment that enables trained emergency personnel to manage respiratory emergencies across patient acuities in prehospital, fire, and institutional response environments.

The R&B Fabrications Model RB-18 kit organizes its components into three operational groups: the Oxygen Source and Control Group, the Oxygen Delivery Group for spontaneously breathing patients, and the Ventilatory Support Group for apneic patients. The source group centers on an aluminum "D" cylinder containing medical-grade oxygen and a brass constant-flow regulator capable of delivering 0 to 15 liters per minute. The regulator's five key components, including the Pin-Index Safety System, T-Screw Handle, Pressure Gauge, Flow Rate Selector, and Nipple Adapter, must be identified by all personnel before deployment.

Device selection is protocol-driven and patient-condition specific. Conscious patients in significant respiratory distress receive the Adult Non-Rebreather Mask at 15 LPM with a pre-filled reservoir bag. Apneic patients require the Adult Bag-Valve-Mask with a second rescuer for airway positioning and mask seal. The nasal cannula serves low-acuity, conscious patients in mild distress.

Operational readiness depends on supply awareness and ongoing patient monitoring. A "D" cylinder holds approximately 425 liters of oxygen, providing less than 30 minutes of runtime at 15 LPM. Cylinders must be exchanged when pressure falls below 500 PSI, and the kit is not considered field-ready until all four periodic inspection checkpoints have been cleared: inventory, cylinder pressure, disposables, and hardware condition.

Field Application Steps

1. REMOVE AND INSPECT THE CYLINDER: Remove the oxygen cylinder and regulator from the carrier bag and visually inspect the cylinder valve for debris. If debris is present, stand to the side and briefly open and close the valve using the toggle handle to clear it before proceeding.

2. ATTACH THE REGULATOR: Align the regulator's two PISS pins with the corresponding holes on the cylinder valve and ensure the plastic yoke washer is seated. Secure the regulator by tightening the T-Screw Handle by hand only. Do not use tools or excessive force.

3. OPEN THE VALVE AND VERIFY PRESSURE: Slowly turn the toggle handle counter-clockwise to open the cylinder valve. Observe the pressure gauge and confirm the reading is above 500 PSI minimum. A reading below 1,000 PSI is the common out-of-service threshold and should trigger a cylinder exchange before deployment.

4. ASSESS THE PATIENT AND SELECT THE DELIVERY DEVICE: Confirm whether the patient is breathing spontaneously and determine the severity of respiratory distress and level of consciousness. Select the Adult Non-Rebreather Mask for a conscious, spontaneously breathing patient in significant distress. Select the Adult BVM for an apneic patient, and call for a second rescuer immediately.

5. CONNECT TUBING AND SET FLOW RATE: Connect the oxygen tubing from the selected delivery device to the regulator's nipple adapter. Set the Flow Rate Selector dial to 15 LPM for Non-Rebreather Mask application.

6. PRE-FILL THE NRB RESERVOIR BAG: Cover the one-way valve between the mask body and the reservoir bag with your thumb. Hold until the reservoir bag is fully inflated with oxygen before applying the mask to the patient.

7. APPLY THE MASK AND SECURE THE FIT: Place the Non-Rebreather Mask over the patient's nose and mouth. Form the metal nose clip to the bridge of the nose to minimize leaks, then bring the elastic strap around the back of the head and adjust for a secure but comfortable fit.

8. COACH THE PATIENT AND MONITOR THE RESERVOIR: Instruct the patient to breathe normally through the mask. The reservoir bag should not fully collapse during inhalation. If it does, increase the flow rate.

9. MONITOR THE PATIENT CONTINUOUSLY: Track breathing quality, level of consciousness, and skin color throughout the encounter. Be prepared to remove the NRB and transition immediately to BVM ventilations if the patient's respiratory effort deteriorates.

10. MONITOR OXYGEN SUPPLY DURATION: Periodically check the pressure gauge during the call. At 15 LPM, a full "D" cylinder provides less than 30 minutes of runtime. Exchange the cylinder before pressure falls below 500 PSI.

11. DECOMMISSION THE SYSTEM POST-MISSION: Close the cylinder valve by turning the toggle handle clockwise until snug. Turn the Flow Rate Selector on to bleed residual pressure until the gauge reads zero, then return the dial to zero.

12. RESUPPLY AND INSPECT FOR NEXT DEPLOYMENT: Replace all used disposable items, including masks and cannulas, and exchange the cylinder for a full one. Complete all four inspection checkpoints: inventory, cylinder pressure verification above 1,000 PSI, disposables packaging and expiration dates, and hardware condition of the regulator and PISS pins.

Equip Yourself: Oxygen Bag Initial Stock – Comprehensive EMS Airway Supply Kit

Ensure you have the right gear before an emergency strikes.

View Product

LEGAL DISCLAIMER & SAFETY WARNING:
The information provided in this Luminary Global Field Manual is strictly for educational and informational purposes. It is not a substitute for formal medical, tactical, or professional training. In the event of a medical emergency, immediately seek professional help or contact emergency services. Luminary Global assumes no liability for the misuse of equipment, improper application of techniques, or any injuries/damages resulting from the use of these guidelines. Always rely on your official agency training, local laws, and established protocols during a crisis.