Do You Need an Automatic Transport Ventilator? Take this Quiz to Find Out

With the frequency of sudden cardiac arrest, the presence of automated external defibrillators in public spaces is on the rise. It seems as though everywhere you look, there is an AED on the wall of every school, gym, airport, and city office building with more and more stores and restaurants following suit. But, did you know that the AED is not the only automated lifesaving device on the market? In some ways, the automatic transport ventilator is the respiratory system's answer to the AED. In some ways, it is not. Curious if you need an automatic transport ventilator in your life?
Yes? Small hospitals or urgent care centers that are ready to intubate a patient for transport can benefit from having an ATV on hand. Not only does this take the guesswork out of bagging a critically ill patient, but it also allows for continuity of machinery from intubation through transport. In the long run, having an ATV in a small hospital or urgent care center only makes sense.
No? Move on to question 4.
1. Are you a medical transport company?
Yes? You need an automatic transport ventilator. While a Bag Valve can be used to transport patients from one location to another, the skill it takes to use a bag valve correctly is difficult to come by. Studies have shown that automatic transport ventilators are better for patient care and documentation while allowing the medical personnel to perform different tasks. No? Move on to question 2.2. Do you employ Emergency Medical Professionals?
Yes? There has been some debate in the last few years about how pre-hospital intubations affect the survival rate of the typical traumatic brain injury or cardiac arrest. While supraglottic airways have come in vogue for their speed of insertion and effectiveness in the field, that does not diminish the need for an automatic transport ventilator in an ambulance. You see, EMS is not only the first line medical professionals, but they also provide transport to already intubated patients from one facility to another. While an ATV is not recommended for supraglottic airways, they are still a vital and necessary piece of equipment to have on hand. No? Move on to question 3.3. Are you a small hospital or urgent care center?
