Why is Emergency Oxygen so important?
Life-threatening emergencies are usually accompanied by low levels of oxygen to the brain and heart.  Without enough oxygen, the brain can begin to die within just a few minutes.  Death of heart muscle can lead to heart attack and cardiac arrest.  Calling 911, opening the airway, rescue breathing and CPR are the first steps in the Chain of Survival.  Emergency medical oxygen for the breathing patient should be made available as soon as possible.

Oxygen and Automated External Defibrillation
The American Heart Association’s science makes it clear that the ideal immediate life-saving treatment for cardiac arrest caused by acute ventricular fibrillation is rapid defibrillation in combination with effective CPR. Emergency oxygen for the breathing heart attack patient may prevent or delay arrest. Use of emergency oxygen earlier may also increase the effectiveness of CPR until an AED arrives.

Until Advance Care Arrives
In the event that the defibrillation attempt is successful, providing supplemental oxygen to the reviving victim is the single most important first aid action to prevent re-arrest. Supplemental oxygen should be provided until the next level of care is rendered. (American Heart Association Guidelines 2005)