Rhonchi

Horrible news. All RTs can tell stories about patients on Oxygen who continue to smoke despite the risk and warnings. Here’s an especially tragic story.

Reckless smoker a killer, cops say – 03/21/06 – The Detroit News
Because of his history of reckless smoking, Renwicj has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the infant’s death, along with involuntary manslaughter and arson of a dwelling, Macomb Prosecutor Eric Smith said.

Renwick remained locked up in the Macomb County Jail on Monday in lieu of $100,000 bond after being charged Friday in 41-B District Court in Clinton Township.

“The reason for the second-degree murder charge is Renwick’s recklessness was extreme,” Smith said. “He was repeatedly warned not to smoke around the oxygen tank. And he had set several fires to his apartment before.”

Investigators interviewed a delivery person who brought oxygen tanks to Renwick’s apartment. “He was smoking a cigarette when the delivery guy came to the door,” said William Cataldo, head of the Macomb Prosecutor’s Homicide Unit. “The delivery person said he wouldn’t deliver the tank unless he put it out, and told him about how dangerous it was.”

If passed, will pays less for home O2…

WHSV | One Act, One Less Breath
An act of Congress could take many people’s breath away, literally. A section of the “Deficit Reduction Act of 2005” will force patients who are on home oxygen to foot more of the bill. Currently, Medicare pays for the machine, supplies, and maintenance of the tanks; but the bill will stop the coverage after three years. This leaves many wondering what they would do without it.

“If I didn’t have it I’d be laying out on the floor passed out waiting for someone to find me which may never happen,” said Linda Kidd of Harrisonburg.

Linda Kidd has been depending on an at home oxygen tank for more than 10 years. Medicare covers the cost now but not if a new bill come through Congress.