Drilling Into the Home Oxygen Fire Death Problem

According to a 2008 NFPA report, between the years of 2003-2006, hospital emergency rooms saw an estimated average of 1,190 thermal burns per year caused by ignitions associated with home medical oxygen use. The heat source in 73% of these cases were smoking materials. During 2002-2005, oxygen administration equipment was involved in an average of 182 home fires reported to local fire departments per year. These fires caused an average of 46 civilian deaths and 60 civilian injuries per year.

This presentation will investigate the who, what, and where of this rising community safety concern, and attendees will leave with an awareness of relevant home oxygen fire death data, data tools that can help CRR initiatives, and NFPA resources to support prevention efforts.