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What is oxygen sensitivity?
Some patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema or other long-term chest conditions can become sensitive to medium or high doses of oxygen.
This does not happen to all people with these conditions, only to a small number. Therefore, if oxygen is needed by these people, it should be given in a controlled way and monitored carefully.
You have been identified as being at risk of oxygen sensitivity. If you should become unwell and call an ambulance and need oxygen, it is very important that you are given the correct amount of oxygen on your way to hospital and in hospital.
Too much oxygen can cause a rise in the level of carbon dioxide (the exhaust gas we produce) in your blood and this could make you drowsy or slow your breathing.
Too little oxygen can also be dangerous. When you arrive at the hospital the doctors will check your oxygen and carbon dioxide levels regularly and they will prescribe the right amount of oxygen for you.
Your alert card
We have given you an alert card so that doctors, nurses, ambulance and A&E staff know that you are sensitive to oxygen. If your chest or breathing condition gets worse and you had to call for an ambulance, please show your oxygen alert card to the ambulance staff and take it with you to the hospital. The ambulance staff and hospital team may have been pre-warned that you are sensitive to oxygen.
What happens in the ambulance?
Your oxygen level will be monitored, usually with a finger probe (oximeter) while oxygen is delivered via an appropriate face mask. If the level falls below a certain range, the ambulance crew may also ask you to use a different mask or nasal oxygen. The ambulance crew have been trained to manage this situation.
What happens if I am admitted to hospital?
As soon as you are admitted to the hospital, your oxygen and carbon dioxide levels will be measured and the correct amount of oxygen will be given to you. You may be changed to a different mask or flow rate.
What should I do if I lose my oxygen alert card?
Please contact the Respiratory Specialist Nursing Team as soon as possible to arrange for a replacement card to be sent to you.
Instructions for use
- Always carry your card with you.
- If you need to call an ambulance or you need to have oxygen whilst visiting your GP, you should hand the card to the ambulance crew or to your doctor. They will treat you using information on the oxygen alert card.
Contacts and questions:
You may contact the following staff with any questions you may have.
The Respiratory Specialist Nursing Team
Salford Royal Hospital, Stott Lane, Salford, M6 8HD - 0161 206 0865
Pennine Oxygen Team - 0161 778 2399
Pennine Lung Service (Oldham Specialist Respiratory Nurses) - 0161 627 8522
The HMR Enhanced Respiratory Service - 01706 517771
Date of Review: February 2025
Date of Next Review: February 2027
Ref No: PI_M_1652 (NCA)