Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026

Safety Precautions and Operating Procedures in an ABSL-4 Laboratory: 3. Aerobiology
Published on: October 3, 2016
Facility Preparedness for Biological Emergencies: Lessons from AUBMC's Oxygen System Overhaul
Mazen El-Baba1, Abdo Mghames2, Rana Saleh2
1Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
None:
Biological emergencies strain health care facilities that are typically designed to accommodate routine surges. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in hospital oxygen delivery systems worldwide, resulting in ventilator failures and disruptions in patient care. At the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), the Emergency Department experienced significant challenges in maintaining the oxygen delivery system due to the unprecedented oxygen demand, over-frosting of pipelines, and system-wide depressurization. In response, the AUBMC established the Emergency Engineering Response Team (EERT) to rapidly develop and implement innovative, engineering-based strategies. This report shares the challenges faced by the AUBMC during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, details the solutions implemented, and provides recommendations to strengthen health care facility preparedness for future biological emergencies.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
Oxygen Delivering System I: Nasal Cannula and Face Mask
Nasal Cannula
A nasal cannula is a lightweight tube split at one end into two prongs and placed in the nostrils. It is typically used to deliver low to medium levels of oxygen.
Suggested flow rate: The suggested flow rate for a nasal cannula typically ranges between 1 and 6 L/min.
Oxygen percentage setting:...
Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...
Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...
Administering Oxygen by Mask
Administering oxygen by mask is a common nursing intervention that provides supplemental oxygen to patients with respiratory distress or chronic lung conditions. This procedure involves delivering oxygen at a specified rate through a face mask connected to an oxygen source.
Equipment
The equipment necessary for this procedure includes:
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management

