Products
HCP Resources
Home Living With A Ventilator Other Considerations

HCP RESOURCES

HCP RESOURCES

Are you a healthcare provider?
Additional Resources Contact Us

Be prepared for the unexpected

Ventilator patients and their caregivers must be prepared for the possibility of equipment failure, sudden disconnects, and other emergencies.

Unexpected complications

Prepare for unexpected complications by:
  • Practicing safety drills regularly.
  • Keeping a manual resuscitator on hand at all times.
  • Knowing what to do in case of a power outage; understand how to use a backup ventilator and battery resource / generator, especially for patients who need 24-hour ventilation.

Treatment complications

Caregivers should also be prepared for treatment complications. The ventilation interface can lead to possible problems. Examples include:
  • The patient may find the nasal mask too distracting for daytime use.
  • The nighttime mask may cause facial irritation and even scarring.
  • With nighttime mouth ventilation, the mask pressure may cause teeth to move slightly out of alignment.

If any of these complications occur, contact your doctor.

Weaning from ventilation

If the patient’s condition improves, and the doctor determines they can begin ventilator weaning, the patient must be transitioned into a controlled environment.

Weaning should never be attempted at home.

Living with a Vent

The information and guidance presented on this website is informational only and not intended to influence practice or supersede the instructions for use of any specific device.

Build your knowledge
Be prepared
Living with a ventilator
Homecare help

©2018 Medtronic. All Rights Reserved.