Transport ventilators, also known as portable ventilators, are mechanical ventilation devices designed specifically for emergency or transport scenarios. Like stationary ventilators, they help patients breathe by delivering either oxygen-enriched gas or room air into a patient’s respiratory system through invasive or noninvasive means. Show
Rescuers around the world still reach for a bag valve mask (BVM) to manually ventilate a patient in respiratory distress during transport. A BVM is a handheld device that functions as a face mask with a bag and valve attached – when a rescuer squeezes the bag, they are able to deliver room air or air from an attached oxygen tank to a patient. However, the BVM operator must control the pace of the air delivered, which can prove to be problematic since moving a patient not only disrupts a patient’s breathing pattern but also interferes with a rescuer’s ability to focus on them. Transport ventilators, also known as automatic transport ventilators, can be configured to offer optimal breathing patterns and automatically deliver the oxygen and tidal volume a patient needs. A transport ventilator operator only needs to apply a mask or tube to the patient, select the appropriate settings, and allow the machine to deliver air to the patient. Automatic transport ventilators ensure that patients are breathing properly no matter where they are. Using Transport Ventilators for Patient CareAlthough smaller transport ventilators are beginning to appear in many ambulances, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft, automatic transport ventilators are primarily used for transporting patients in an inter- or intra-hospital setting. Here are a few common scenarios where a portable ventilator may be used:
Since they can be used for a variety of patients, transport ventilators are a mainstay within modern hospitals. They are the most effective way to ensure a patient is breathing properly while they are being moved. However, care teams should follow a standard procedure during transport scenarios to ensure patients can be transported safely and efficiently. Before use, make sure your ventilator is fully charged, properly connected, and is generally in full working order. By ensuring this ahead of time, the ventilator can be applied almost immediately in case of an emergency. After the patient has been outfitted with a transport ventilator, they should be moved to a portable bed that is suitable for the impending transport conditions. Before you begin moving the patient, make sure they are positioned in a way that is comfortable and does not impede airflow. Keep an eye out for any adverse symptoms during the transport process, and immediately take measures to reorient the patient or ventilator to ensure they are receiving enough oxygen. The Benefits of Automatic Transport VentilatorsAll ventilators help care teams maintain the four functions behind basic life support — ventilation, oxygenation, circulation, and perfusion. However, a stationary ventilator or bag valve mask doesn’t deliver the same benefits as an automatic transport ventilator. Care teams often call for a transport ventilator due to several key benefits:
Operating an Automatic Transport VentilatorBefore operating any ventilator, care teams should refer to the official product manual for specific guidance. Not all ventilators have the same functions and capabilities. However, there are some general guidelines that care teams should follow when using a ventilator. All ventilators require basic setup. The first step is to ensure the ventilator is operationally ready; it should be fully charged and all circuits and filters should be attached appropriately. Next, select a default ventilation value, such as adult, pediatric, or mask CPAP, and select an operating mode if necessary. Now, test the ventilator using a test lung that has no leaks or occlusions. If the test lung behaves like a real lung, then your ventilator is working properly. Once you’ve verified that your ventilator is working correctly, detach the test lung. The ventilator should now be ready for use — but keep a bag valve mask nearby in case the machine malfunctions. Once the ventilator is working properly, apply it to the patient using the appropriate connector — this may include an endotracheal tube, a trach tube, a subglottic airway, or a laryngeal mask. Then, enable alarms and select the right mode. For ZOLL® ventilators, this includes:
After you’ve selected a mode and started the ventilation process, keep an eye on the ventilator’s interface and parameter windows. This will help your team ensure the patient is appropriately ventilated. For ZOLL ventilators, track the following parameters:
If these parameters are within acceptable ranges, and the ventilator is properly applied to the patient, then it is safe to assume the patient is being ventilated. However, care teams should regularly monitor and evaluate the patient while listening for alarms. If an alarm sounds or the parameters are not in their acceptable ranges, consult a respiratory therapist to ensure the patient is ventilating properly. Learn MoreInterested in learning more about how ventilators can help COVID-19 patients? Check out our COVID-19 resource hub. Or, if you’d like to learn more about how to use a ZOLL ventilator, visit our Z Vent® training page. What is the best indicator of adequate artificial ventilation by the ATV?You are using an automatic transport ventilator (ATV) for a patient who has an insufficient respiratory effort. What is the best indicator of adequate artificial ventilation by the ATV? "His respirations are agonal and slow.
Which one of the following statements about the flow restricted oxygen powered ventilation device is true?Which one of the following statements about the flow-restricted, oxygen-powered ventilation device is true? "It can be used to ventilate spontaneously breathing patients."
Which one of the following statements indicates that the EMT has an accurate understanding of the bronchioles?Which of the following statements indicates that the EMT has an accurate understanding of the bronchioles? "They are all passages located in the lower airway that have smooth muscle surrounding them."
Why is the jaw thrust maneuver indicated for a patient with a possible spinal injury?Conclusions: The jaw thrust maneuver results in less motion at an unstable C1-C2 injury as compared with the head tilt-chin lift maneuver. We therefore recommend the use of the jaw thrust to improve airway patency in the trauma patient with suspected cervical spine injury.
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