Recommended Strategies from the U.S. Public Health Service to Optimize Provision of Mechanical Ventilation

March 30, 2020

Ventilators

Disclaimer: Viewers of this material should review the information contained within it with appropriate medical and legal counsel and make their own determinations as to relevance to their particular practice setting and compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. The APSF has used its best efforts to provide accurate information. However, this material is provided only for informational purposes and does not constitute medical or legal advice. This response also should not be construed as representing APSF endorsement or policy (unless otherwise stated), making clinical recommendations, or substituting for the judgment of a physician and consultation with independent legal counsel.

On March 30, 2020 the U.S. Public Health Service released its recommendations for managing COVID-infected patients who have respiratory failure when the availability of ventilators and other ventilator support resources is limited.

These recommendations emphasize the importance of using anesthesia machine ventilators to meet the anticipated high demands. It also strongly encourages the transfer of ventilators, supplies, and personnel who are familiar with these from areas that are not experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks to those that are, whenever feasible. Other recommendations to reduce the overall need for ventilators are included.