Jenny and Bruce have you read this? We have done this. This is national AARC news and we are leading!AARC Releases Addendum to Ventilator Guidance Document January 31, 2008 http://www.aarc.org/headlines/08/01/vent_addendum.cfmThe AARC has released an addendum resources vent guidelines to its document, "Guidelines for Acquisition of Ventilators to Meet Demands for Pandemic Flu and Mass Casualty Incidents."
http://www.aarc.org/resources/vent_guidelines_08.pdfThe addendum specifically addresses questions regarding the use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) during pandemic influenza.
"There were a number of questions from the AARC membership regarding the use of NIV in a pandemic," says Richard Branson, MS, RRT, FAARC, a member of the workgroup that developed the addendum. "Since the original document simply stated not to stockpile NIV, the AARC felt that this update would provide the rationale and evidence to support this statement."
John Wilgis, MBA, RRT, who was also on the workgroup, notes the addendum is in keeping with the overall intent of the guidance document. "The original document was a starting point, and the intent was for it to be a living document that could have information added to it as more information was developed and uncovered. The Ventilator Capability & Capacity Workgroup championed the work, as it fell within the charges given to us by the AARC."
The workgroup conducted a thorough search of the medical literature to support the overall conclusion that NIV is generally not indicated in a pandemic situation. "The group performed a literature search on NIV, spoke with experts in both NIV and mass casualty care," says Branson. “When possible, the literature was used to support statements. When there was no literature, common sense and expert opinion were relied upon."
"Much of the documented evidence used to support the addendum was already established," adds Wilgis. "It was a simple matter of gathering it together, reviewing the content, and drafting the addendum."
The addendum concludes:
*
NIV equipment is not recommended for stockpiling.
* NIV is not recommended for treatment of pandemic influenza.
* Re-purposing of noninvasive ventilators for use as invasive ventilators should only be done under the supervision of respiratory therapists. The AARC will be mailing copies of the addendum to key stakeholders in the disaster response community and has already provided the Department of Health and Human Services with the document, at the department's request. But both Branson and Wilgis encourage individual RTs to read the addendum and share it with disaster personnel in their facilities and communities.
"Talk about it with the right people in your hospital, region, and state," says Branson. "And ask questions. This is a living document, and we are willing to change recommendations as the literature dictates."
Says Wilgis, "Simple word of mouth is a great form of communication that can help spread information. Using e-mail and e-mail lists is another way to distribute important information to a large community of people." He also suggests presenting the addendum during continuing education events, state society meetings, and department staff meetings.
"This addendum serves to add an increased awareness about the subject of mass casualty ventilation and what therapists should be considering when purchasing and using equipment for the provision of treatment to people affected by a severe, widespread illness like pandemic influenza," emphasizes Wilgis. "Being involved demonstrates leadership and professional character
Russ Sindelar B.S. RRT
Clinical Supervisor, Respiratory Care Services Creighton University Medical Center
601 Nth 30th st.
Omaha NE 68131
Ph. (402)449-4291
Post edited by: jbush, at: 2008/02/01 18:45
Post edited by: jbush, at: 2008/02/01 18:46
