Ventilator Use and Management in Critical Care Air Transport

Which of the following is NOT one of the objectives discussed in this lecture?

What is the main focus of this lecture?

What is one of the obstacles to care of vented patients for prolonged flights?

Which of the following is a recommended method for securing an ET tube in patients with burns or facial trauma?

What should be done to prevent lung de-recruitment when exchanging an ET tube pre-flight in a patient requiring >10cm H20 PEEP?

What is the purpose of securing the ET tube using a dedicated securing device?

Lecture Objectives

Secure the airway
Ventilate patients with respiratory failure
Manage patients requiring positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)
Transport patients with complex needs

Lecture Focus

Management of airway and ventilation during prolonged flights

Obstacles to Care

Limited resources on long-haul flights
Difficulty maintaining ventilation
Ensuring patient comfort and safety

Securing ET Tubes

Burns or Facial Trauma: Use oral intubation, nasotracheal intubation, or surgical airway, instead of traditional methods with a standard tube.
Secure with dedicated securing devices: These devices are specifically designed for difficult airway situations and offer greater stability.

Preventing Lung De-recruitment

Use high-frequency ventilation: This helps maintain lung expansion and minimizes the risk of de-recruitment.
Use a closed-circuit system: An alternative to open-circuit ventilation, which can help maintain the PEEP level.
Preserve lung volume: Keep the lung volume and PEEP level maintained throughout the ET exchange process.

Purpose of Secure ET Devices

Prevent accidental extubation: This is crucial for patient safety, especially during turbulent flights.
Maintain airway patency: Ensures a clear airway, which is vital for adequate ventilation.
Minimize discomfort for the patient: Improves overall patient comfort by offering greater stability to the ET tube, especially during long flights.

Test your knowledge on ventilator use and management of vented patients in critical care air transport. This quiz will cover topics such as the unique environment of inflight medical care, physiological challenges related to altitude changes, obstacles to care for prolonged flights, and additional safety measures required for patient care.