What is oxygen sensitivity?
Some patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
including chronic bronchitis and emphysema or other long-term
conditions can become sensitive to medium or high doses of
oxygen.
Too much oxygen can cause a rise in the level of carbon dioxide in
your blood and this could make you drowsy or slow your breathing.
This does not happen to all people with these conditions, only a
small number. Therefore if oxygen is needed by these people, it
should be given in a controlled way and monitored carefully. We do
this by setting target oxygen saturation levels for exacerbations and
advise that a Venturi mask is used. This is a specialised mask that is
used to deliver a controlled amount of oxygen. By using this mask it
will help to minimise the risk of an increased level of carbon dioxide
in your blood.
Your Alert Card
We have provided you with an alert card as you have been identified
as being at risk of oxygen sensitivity.
The alert card is to make sure that doctors, nurses, ambulance staff
and the hospital team know that you are sensitive to oxygen.
If you become unwell and require an ambulance, it is important you
are given the correct amount of oxygen on your way to the hospital
and during your hospital stay. Therefore it is important you show the
ambulance staff your oxygen alert card and also take it with you into
hospital.
The ambulance staff and hospital team may have been pre-warned
that you are sensitive to oxygen.
Your Target Saturations and Venturi Mask
You have been advised that your target oxygen saturations are
___________ % to ___________ % during exacerbations.
You have been advised that ___________ % Venturi mask should
be utilised to achieve the recommended target saturations.
The oxygen flow rate the Venturi mask should be set at ___________
L/min.
The Venturi mask will be used in the ambulance and at the hospital;
unless the ambulance staff or hospital team identify the need for a
different dose of oxygen when measuring your oxygen saturations.
What happens in the ambulance?
Your oxygen level will be monitored, usually with a finger probe
(oximeter) while you are using a Venturi mask. If the level falls
outside your target saturations, the ambulance staff may need to use
a different mask or nasal oxygen. The ambulance staff 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 oxygen will be given to you
appropriately.
Instructions for use
1. Carry the oxygen alert card at all times. This information is for
emergency use only. You may have a different oxygen delivery
system for routine use if you are on home oxygen treatment.
2. If you need to call an ambulance or you need to have oxygen
whilst visiting your GP, your alert card should be shown to the
ambulance staff or to your GP. This will mean they can treat you
correctly using the oxygen percentage indicated on the oxygen
alert card.
If you have any enquires, concerns or require further information, the
team can be contacted on 01253 956972.
Useful Contacts
Asthma and Lung UK
www.asthmaandlung.org.uk
Helpline 0300 222 5800
Stop Smoking Service
Website: www.smokefree.nhs.uk
Telephone: 0800 022 4332
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Author Respiratory Department
Approved by Respiratory Leads Meeting
Date of Publication 25/11/2025
Review Date 01/11/2028
Reference No PL/1209 (v3)
