Paul McGrath, watch commander for the Jersey Fire and Rescue Service, made the comments during the inquest of Diane Leslie Noel who died in her St Peter flat last October after the inside of her oxygen tubes caught alight as she attempted to light her pipe.
The inquest heard that the 64-year-old, who had been married for 40 years and had two daughters, had a heart attack prompted by the shock of the oxygen flow being suddenly cut off.
Mrs Noel suffered from a chronic lung disease and needed oxygen tubes to deal with the condition as well as having regular carers assist her at home.
Mr McGrath said that fire crews were called by a concerned neighbour who had heard the smoke alarm but when firefighters arrived there was ‘very little smoke or fire damage in the home’.
He added that the Health Department, alongside the Fire Service, should provide refresher training for all care providers about the safe use of oxygen concentrators in the home. About 80 to 90 Islanders have oxygen tanks at home.
Relief Coroner Cyril Whelan said that Mrs Noel’s death was ‘due to an acute cardio-respiratory arrest’ after an ‘accidental ignition’ of the oxygen concentrator that she used for her chronic lung disease.
He added that Mrs Noel had been attempting to smoke but the flame from the lighter had caused her oxygen tubes to ignite and the flow to stop.
