Zone Valves
In emergency situations (fire, significant gas leak, etc.), Respiratory Care, a Charge Nurse, Nursing Supervisor, Anesthesia (in OR areas), or the Fire Department may give a directive to turn off medical gas and vacuum zone valves.
Key Points:
- RT is responsible for the turning off the zone valves in the event of an emergency
- RT will be instructed to turn off the valves by plant ops during an emergency
- RT will make sure that patients on O2 in that area are maintained with other resources in this event
- Before turning off zone valves, RCP will assure oxygen dependent patients have been provided with portable oxygen, or relocated to areas where they can be served.