When checking the Portable Oxygen Bottle (POB), which component should be assessed first?

The pressure gauge should be assessed first when checking the Portable Oxygen Bottle (POB) because it provides critical information regarding the amount of oxygen available for use. The pressure gauge indicates whether the oxygen bottle is filled to the appropriate levels for effective operation. If the gauge shows that the pressure is low or empty, it signals that the POB may not be usable in an emergency situation, making it essential to verify this before checking other components.

If the pressure is adequate, it allows the operator to proceed with evaluating the other components, such as the mask and flow rate, knowing that there is sufficient oxygen supply. Assessing the canister integrity is also important, but it typically follows the verification of the pressure level to ensure that the system is under the necessary operational conditions.