What is one of the major risks if alarms are ignored in a medical gas system?

Ignoring alarms in a medical gas system poses significant risks, particularly concerning patient safety hazards. These alarms are designed to alert healthcare providers to issues that could impact the delivery of medical gases, which are critical for patient care. For example, an alarm may signal a drop in pressure, indicating a malfunction in the gas supply system, which could lead to inadequate oxygen delivery to patients.

Additionally, alarms may indicate leaks or contamination in the gas lines, which could expose patients to harmful effects or ineffective treatment. Addressing these alarms promptly ensures that the medical gas system operates safely and efficiently, thereby protecting patient health and reducing the likelihood of adverse outcomes.

While options related to service efficiency, operational costs, and system reliability may reflect other aspects of system management, the paramount concern in a medical setting is always patient safety. Ignoring alarms can directly jeopardize this safety, making it essential for medical staff to respond to these warnings without delay.