Passenger with POC?

jnmeade

jnmeade

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Jim Meade
DOT approved the use of Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) on commercial airlines unless it does not meet FAA requirements for a medical portable electronic device (M-PED).

http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/cabin_safety/portable_oxygen/

The URL includes some devices that have been tested. Some POC will run off a battery.

I was just curious if any of you have had a passenger use a POC while flying with you? Maybe some of you who fly medical assistance flights?

(No, it doesn't sound like a way to get around your own oxygen tank for when you want to be on O2 yourself: "POCs typically will not continue to meet the oxygen needs of the user at cabin pressure altitudes above 8,000-10,000 feet. This is because the lower ambient air pressure at higher altitudes makes the concentration of the oxygen output of the POC too low to meet the POC user’s oxygen needs.") This quote is from AC 120-95.
 
jnmeade said:
DOT approved the use of Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) on commercial airlines unless it does not meet FAA requirements for a medical portable electronic device (M-PED).

http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/cabin_safety/portable_oxygen/

The URL includes some devices that have been tested. Some POC will run off a battery.

I was just curious if any of you have had a passenger use a POC while flying with you? Maybe some of you who fly medical assistance flights?

(No, it doesn't sound like a way to get around your own oxygen tank for when you want to be on O2 yourself: "POCs typically will not continue to meet the oxygen needs of the user at cabin pressure altitudes above 8,000-10,000 feet. This is because the lower ambient air pressure at higher altitudes makes the concentration of the oxygen output of the POC too low to meet the POC user’s oxygen needs.") This quote is from AC 120-95.
Click to expand...


Given that the typical MEDICAL patient who is unhealthy, requires 2-3 lpm of supplemental oxygen to maintain adequate saturation, that statement is very applicable.

Given that the typical NON-PATIENT aviation oxygen user (with healthy lungs and heart) using a nasal cannula is typically only going to need 0.5 to 1.5 liters per minute flow to maintain that same adequate oxygen saturation, I would say its not beyond giving it a go (renting one, and monitoring your oxygen saturation with the device) and see for yourself.

So even if the machine is degraded in capability at higher altitudes, the degree of degradation may be a non-factor for a non-patient, healthy user. The amount of degradation in function is likely to be gradual. Its not
"safe" at 8000 feet and "unsafe" 8001 feet. Keep in mind the user accepts all risk for using a device contrary to manufacturers labeling (as well as non regulatory guidance contained in AC's)
 
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