We're in the beginning stages of trying to add this service. One question that has come up that I don't really know how to address is concern about "diversion" of the N2O by partners/family members.
For those of you whose facilities offer this service (if there is anyone here whose facility DOES offer it, it's only in about 200 facilities nationwide), how is this addressed? Or is it addressed at all?
We've had it for a little over a year. Patients have to sign a consent (agreeing not to allow anyone else to use it, not to let anyone else administer it for them)
we also have to stay in the room as long as the nitrous tanks are in it
So we make the patient sign a consent that says if anyone is caught using or even touching the machine/mask they will be asked to leave the facility and the Nitrous will be removed from the room. We decided to take a no tolerance policy on it and we were worried at first but we actually have never had an issue with it!
I dont work in Maternity so can't answer from a professional stand point, but here in Australia it is used all the time during labour, dont have to sign anything to use it either. It's often our first go to for pain relief substances and can be used during any stage of labour.. I have used it with all 3 of my labours, the effects only last for a few minutes, as soon as you start breathing normal air it wears off very quickly. It does not have any effect on the baby, it wears off too quick.. You start breathing it in at the begining of the contraction and stop when the pain is gone, if at any point the woman experiences unpleasant side effects like nausea, she can stop using it and the effects will be gone in a few minutes.. I have used the gas without a midwife in the room, so many times, they check in frequently and arent far away though.. If the woman is in control of the mouthpiece and taught how to use it properly, they are very unlikely to overdose on it..
In term of family using it, my husband didnt want to, but many do take a little go to see what it's like, as I said, it only lasts a few minutes and they arent going to try much more than once because you would have a hard time taking it away from that labouring woman and they wont really try it with the midwife in the room..
Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.
Hi,
I honestly don't think diversion would be a big issues, as people don't really think of Nitrous as giving them a long lasting high, and you can't take it anywhere. I had it for a oral surgery procedure and it doesn't really make you feel high, more just a slight alcohol buzz and not caring about painful stuff.
melj780
1 Post
We've had it for a little over a year. Patients have to sign a consent (agreeing not to allow anyone else to use it, not to let anyone else administer it for them)
we also have to stay in the room as long as the nitrous tanks are in it