What is essential to know before initiating the use of an emergency oxygen system?

Understanding the pressure level of the oxygen tank is crucial before initiating the use of an emergency oxygen system. This knowledge ensures that the system is functioning properly and that there is adequate oxygen available for the victim. If the pressure is too low, the system might not deliver the necessary flow of oxygen needed for effective treatment. Familiarity with the pressure can also help determine the duration of oxygen supply, aiding in decision making about how to proceed in a given emergency scenario.

It's also important to keep in mind that while the other choices are significant in a broader context of emergency response, they are not as directly related to the immediate use of the oxygen system. Knowing the victim's medical history may provide useful information for ongoing care, but it does not impact the operation of the oxygen system itself. Similarly, the availability of additional help, while important for support and further management of the emergency, does not influence the immediate need to deliver oxygen. Lastly, understanding the type of incident may inform the overall response strategy, but again, it does not directly affect the initiation of oxygen delivery.