Respiratory care clinics of North America
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Today there are a number of automatic resuscitators and simple and complex transport ventilators on the market. The user must consider the purpose of the device, the patient population to be ventilated and the capabilities of the individual devices before purchasing a transport ventilator.
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Respir Care Clin N Am · Mar 2002
ReviewInterhospital transport of the adult mechanically ventilated patient.
Interhospital transport of the adult mechanically ventilated patient may be necessary for those who require specialized care. An experienced medical team can safely transport even the most critically ill patients if the care is optimized before departure. Patients with severe respiratory failure may have to remain on an ICU ventilator throughout the transport period, depending on the specific transport ventilator. Near-terminal ARDS can be treated with ECLS, and these patients also may be safely transported to a regional center.
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Respir Care Clin N Am · Mar 2002
ReviewIntrahospital transport of the adult mechanically ventilated patient.
As the diagnosis and treatment of critically ill patients continues to advance, the frequency of intrahospital transport of ventilator-dependent patients increases. Once the risks and benefits of transport are established, even the sickest ICU patient can be transported safely when adequate time is taken and preparations are made before beginning the transport. Patients should be stabilized as much as possible and monitored before, during, and after transport. ⋯ All members of the transport team should communicate effectively and be aware of their roles in the transport process to minimize delays and mishaps during transport and at the final destination. Written policies that define the level of personnel, level of training, level of support, and equipment necessary can facilitate the transport process. When choosing a device to provide ventilation, the patient's clinical condition should be determine which method is used for transport.
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Children deserve quality care when they are critically ill or injured. Specialized pediatric services may be limited outside major medical centers. ⋯ In this model, a child with a complex medical problem is cared for in the environment in which he or she will receive the best care, with emphasis on providing rehabilitative and long-term care near the child's home. It is likely, then, that the field of pediatric transport medicine will assume greater importance in the coming decade.
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Mechanical ventilation during long-range aeromedical transport presents significant challenges. Patient, crew member, and equipment are placed in an environment with reduced barometric pressure, noise, vibration, and limited space, oxygen, electrical power, and access to imaging technology. ⋯ Preparation starts with training of the personnel and selection of optimal equipment. Planning needs to consider the patient's physiologic reserve, available supplies of oxygen and electrical power, and the crew's ability to sustain high performance for the duration of the mission.