Final answer:
A quick donning oxygen mask is designed for swift deployment to provide individuals with an immediate source of oxygen, particularly crucial in emergency scenarios such as carbon monoxide poisoning, where it aids the rapid recovery of normal hemoglobin function.
Step-by-step explanation:
A quick donning oxygen mask is a type of breathing apparatus designed to be rapidly deployed in situations where an individual needs immediate access to a pure and reliable source of oxygen. In the physiology of breathing, oxygen (O₂) is essential, as it binds with hemoglobin (Hb) in the lungs according to the reaction Hb(aq) + O₂(g) → HbO₂(aq). People with breathing problems might use these masks because they supply a higher concentration of oxygen than what's available in the atmosphere, assisting in increasing the rate at which oxygen binds to hemoglobin.
In cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, urgent treatment is critical. Administering oxygen promptly can greatly reduce the harmful effects of carbon monoxide. A quick donning mask can therefore be a lifesaving device in such emergencies by providing fast and efficient oxygen delivery to combat the effects of poisoning and restore normal hemoglobin function. For pregnant women especially, prolonged oxygen treatment is recommended due to the severe potential effects of carbon monoxide on both the mother and the unborn child.