Who is oxygen therapy training for?

The course is suitable for people whose role may involve the safe use or administration of supplemental oxygen.

This may include:

• Healthcare professionals
• Nurses and care professionals
• Dental practitioners and dental care professionals
• Trained first aid responders
• Emergency and pre-hospital responders
• Staff working in clinical or care environments
• Personnel responsible for oxygen equipment
• Other staff whose organisation requires oxygen therapy training

Participants must be at least 16 years old.

A background in first aid, healthcare or patient care is recommended.

Organisations should ensure that participants are authorised to use oxygen within their role and in accordance with the relevant clinical governance, workplace procedures and professional scope of practice.

What will I learn on an Oxygen Therapy Administration course?

The course focuses on the safe handling and practical use of supplemental oxygen and associated equipment.

Training includes:

Understanding oxygen therapy

• The purpose and benefits of supplemental oxygen
• When oxygen therapy may be indicated
• Cautions and considerations when administering oxygen
• The importance of following appropriate clinical guidance and local procedures

Oxygen equipment and safety

• Medical oxygen cylinders and associated equipment
• Risks associated with compressed medical gases
• Safe handling of oxygen cylinders
• Oxygen storage and transport considerations
• Fire and ignition risks
• Health and safety procedures
• Pre-use and operational equipment checks

Oxygen delivery

• Preparing oxygen therapy equipment for use
• Selecting and fitting appropriate oxygen delivery devices
• Using oxygen flow controls safely
• Non-rebreather masks
• Bag-valve-mask equipment
• Practical administration techniques
• Monitoring the patient while oxygen is being administered
• Safe handover and ongoing patient care

Practical medical oxygen training

Safe oxygen administration requires more than understanding the theory.

Participants take part in practical exercises using oxygen therapy equipment and common delivery devices, allowing them to become familiar with equipment checks, preparation, administration and safe handling.

The aim is to help participants use oxygen equipment confidently and safely while continuing to work within their clinical role, organisational procedures and applicable guidance.

Oxygen Therapy course duration and assessment

The Oxygen Therapy Administration course takes approximately 3 to 4 hours and is normally delivered as a half-day programme.

Assessment takes place through practical demonstration, instructor observation and knowledge-based questioning during the course.

Participants must demonstrate the required practical skills and understanding before a certificate of completion is issued.

Oxygen Therapy Administration certification

Participants who successfully complete the course receive a UFAS Oxygen Therapy Administration certificate, issued for a period of two years.

Refresher training may be appropriate during the certification period where participants use oxygen infrequently or where required by an employer, professional body, clinical governance arrangement or local procedure.

The UFAS certificate confirms successful completion of the training course. It does not independently confer clinical authority or extend the participant’s professional scope of practice.

On-site Oxygen Therapy training across Ireland

UFAS delivers Oxygen Therapy Administration training at suitable workplaces, healthcare facilities and other premises nationwide across Ireland.

On-site delivery allows staff to train together and, where appropriate, become familiar with the type of oxygen equipment used within their own working environment.

A pre-course assessment of the proposed training facilities may be required before on-site delivery can be confirmed.

Tell us your location, group size and training requirements and UFAS will help you arrange a suitable course.