Thread by @DrMStiegler

Did you know? @US_FDA has temporarily approved use of anesthesia machines as ICU #ventilators - learn more at @APSForg with specific guidance contacts for @GEHealthcare @DraegerNews @Mindray_NA

apsf.org/apsf-asa-guida…

A #COVID19 thread/

Did you know?

Anesthesia machine ventilators are used to provide life-sustaining respiratory support every day in the operating room.

While not intended for prolonged use, these are an obvious 1st backup during the #COVID-19 pandemic and critical vent shortage

2/

Remember how @APSForg @ASALifeline @AmCollSurgeons @Surgeon_General said to cancel non-urgent cases?

This means you may have available anesthesia machines in your hospital ORs, NORA locations, outpatient and office-based surgery centers.

What to do with them?

3/

Important questions:

Which machines can be used?
Who should operate these #ventilators ?
Where should they be used- in the OR, ICU, or other places?
Are additional equipment /capabilities needed?

Answers to these and much more are here: apsf.org/apsf-asa-guida…

4/

#medtwitter we can work together to ensure everyone knows what’s possible. Tag your hospitalists, intensivists, anesthesiologists, pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, professional societies, administrators, and advocacy groups

#coronavirus #VentilatorShortage

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