Frequently Asked Questions:

 1. What is the R15 device?

The R15 Emergency Oxygen device is the only commercially available portable emergency oxygen product that is safe to use in ALL public places and that does not require certification, training or specialized storage. This device is cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to provide oxygen for emergency use. Once the R15 device is activated, oxygen flows to a victim of a breathing emergency at a therapeutic rate of 6 liters per minute for 15 minutes. The R15 device requires no electric or battery source and no maintenance. It has a 2-year shelf life, at which point a replacement R15 device is ordered.

2. How does the R15 device work?

Once activated, by turning the lever, the R15 device generates 100% humidified emergency oxygen for 15 minutes. Oxygen results from the combination of sodium per-carbonate, water, and a catalyst. The oxygen flow of 6 liters per minute meets FDA criteria for an over the counter emergency oxygen delivery.

3. What are the R15 device advantages over an oxygen gas cylinder?

Oxygen gas cylinders cannot be openly stored in public spaces due to their very high pressures and explosive potential. They should be stored specialized temperature controlled cabinets. Oxygen gas cylinders require a prescription for use by trained operators. The Oxygen cylinder must be safety inspected every 5 years to meet local safety codes.

In contrast to pressurized oxygen cylinders, the R15 device produces oxygen by chemical means under very low pressure and may be stored anywhere, on an open shelf or standard cabinet. The R15 device is cleared by the FDA as an over-the-counter product to be used by untrained bystanders and without a prescription.

4. Why is the R15 Portable Emergency Oxygen device so important?

Every second counts during a breathing emergency. Oxygen lack results in:

  • 30 – 180 seconds: may lose consciousness

  • 1 minute, brain cells die

  • 5 minutes, coma may occur

  • 10 minutes, death is imminent

  • 15 minutes, brain death likely and survival nearly impossible

Before the R15 device was developed, there was no widely ACCESSIBLE & SAFE way for bystanders to deliver emergency oxygen to victims of breathing emergencies in a public place. The R15 device is NOT a pressurized oxygen cylinder and not an explosion hazard so it can be safely stored and used anywhere. Because the R15 device is cleared by FDA for use by anyone without training or certification, it provides an immediate level of life support.

About the size of a large briefcase, the R15 device is portable and easily transported to a victim of a breathing emergency. The R15 device will provide uninterrupted emergency oxygen for 15 minutes which is about twice as long as the average response time of emergency medical services (EMS) arrival.

5. When would you use the R15 device?

The R15 device may be used for any of the following breathing emergencies:

  • Allergic Reaction

  • Anemia

  • Anxiety/Panic Attack

  • Asthma Attack

  • Blood Clots in lung

  • Carbon Monoxide or Food poisoning

  • Cardiac Arrest

  • Contaminated Air

  • COPD Flair Up

  • Drowning Victim

  • Drug Overdose

  • Fainting (from heat exhaustion or dehydration, etc.)

  • Fire

  • Heart Attack

  • Over Exertion

  • Personal injury accident causing person to pass out

  • Pneumonia

  • Shortness of Breath/Troubled Breathing

When someone is struggling to breathe, bystanders should immediately call 911 and then use the R15 device to support the victim until EMS arrives.

6. Why is emergency oxygen so important during a medical emergency?

Life-threatening medical emergencies can be accompanied by low tissue oxygen levels (not enough oxygen in the victim’s blood). Even short periods of oxygen loss can lead to tissue damage, and coma or death can occur in less than fifteen minutes. Bystander delivery of emergency oxygen with the R15 device can provide life support until EMS arrives.

7. How does the R15 device reduce exposure to potential “premises liability”?

The R15 device is a unique safety technology designed and cleared by FDA to be used by anyone – like an automatic external defibrillator (AED). Incorporating the most up-to-date safety equipment into corporate protocols is a best practice that may help reduce liability when the event occurs on company property.

8. Where do you place the R15 device?

The R15 device should be prominently placed in highly visible public areas for rapid access during a medical emergency. It is recommended, as with AEDs, that R15 devices be situated within 1 to 3 minute public access. Example locations include: near existing safety equipment (e.g. AEDs, fire extinguishers, first aid kits), in locker rooms, restaurant or bar areas, lobbies by the security guard or elevator.

9. Who can use an R15 device?

Anyone may use the R15 device to help someone who is experiencing a breathing emergency.

10. Can anyone buy an R15 device?

Yes – the R15 device does not require a prescription or special training. It is sold online at rapidoxygen.com as well through select distributors.