Use of a portable oxygen concentrator and its effect on the overall functionality of a remote field medical unit at 3650 meters elevation

Background: The supply of oxygen is a complex issue in disaster situations and snowbound mountainous areas. Innovative solutions are required for safe anesthesia practice; one such innovation is a small portable oxygen concentrator for oxygen therapy in remote austere environment. We conducted this study to ascertain the economy achieved by employing this equipment to improve functionality of a surgical unit in an austere environment.

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