Packing oxygen and ambubag

Ainsley's Mom · #1 02-25-2007, 06:07 PM

Ainsley is 4 months old. Has a trach (no vent). She has been home 2 months. She has never needed oxygen and we have not used the ambubag. We were told to bring them with us everywhere we go. But, I am wondering if it would be good enough just to keep it in the car. It would just be nice to travel a little lighter. What do you think?

Thanks,
Susan

Whitney · #2 02-25-2007, 06:37 PM

After everything my kids went through, I always ventured on the side of caution. Maybe you can run the question by your doctor... but you never know when things can go wrong. Aidan hasn't needed O2 for almost 4 years until last week.

sandra · #3 02-25-2007, 06:45 PM

I think I would want to be on the safe side. I know it is a lot to carry, but you just never know.

spiffy_moe · #4 02-25-2007, 06:56 PM

When Alex first came home I brought oxygen everywhere, but he was on it continuously. Once he came off it during the day I didn't bring it everywhere, but I was very comfortable with his sats, even when he was napping. It took a while to get to that point though. Now Alex has been on back on O2 continuously for a little over a month it will take me a while to be comfortable to go anywhere without it.

As for the ambu bag I have never used it (other than training in the hospital) but always bring it everywhere.

suzanne2545 · #5 02-25-2007, 07:38 PM

Parker doesn't have oxygen. We, too, were told to take the ambubag everywhere. That lasted about a week. Our reality (trach gear and two other young kids - one other in diapers) is that we don't have room to take it, plus it gets all nasty in my bag. I decided that since we can do rescue breaths without it and because Parker is very stable it was a risk I was willing to take.

Now, we've only been home about 2 months, Parker is very young and it is cold, cold winter here. So, when he starts getting out and about more we might just keep it in the car and get an extra for the house.

Suzanne

bex271 · #6 02-25-2007, 08:03 PM

we don't have oxygen, and have never used the ambubag but we take it everywhere with us though just in case something were to happen i wouldn't won't to be up a creek without a paddle or so to speak. I would go with a side of caution.

becca

Ann · #7 02-25-2007, 08:18 PM

We always have an ambu bag with us. Oxygen in the car - I can't imagine carrying an O2 tank with me everywhere I go.

Kate · #8 02-25-2007, 08:27 PM

I use to bring it with me ALL the time. BUT, I got to a point where I just kept it in the car. I did talk to Mitchell's doctor about this before doing it though. It is running a risk and I'm well awhere of that--I'm not sure if it is the smart thing to do. I've actually just recently stopped bringing it all together. BUT-I ALWAYS ALWAYS bring an amboo bag-I just put it right w/his suction machine. I guess it just depends on your comfort level--where you are going, and what your doctor suggests. It isn't an easy decision to leave it behind and I pray that I never kick myself for doing it.

kelgreen · #9 02-25-2007, 10:35 PM

I always bring his emergency bag which has the ambu bag in it w/me. Sometimes I leave it in the car....depends where and how long I will be if I take it w/me. Suction machine and diaper bag comes w/us too.

What will I do when we no longer use a stroller????

Shylent · #10 02-25-2007, 11:39 PM

Even though Sebastian is stable and not on O2 ( except a lil' at night when he is without his pmv) we keep a tank stashed in the trunk of our vehicle and his emergency kit bag never goes more than 5 feet from him - house rules. Only had to employ it once - thank goodness.