[Ventilation in special situations. Mechanical ventilation during transportation of pediatric patients].
Most severe pediatric injuries occur far from regional centres specialized in the definitive care of the critically-ill child. Adequate initial stabilization and an appropriate transport system significantly decrease morbidity and mortality in these patients. In the last few years, technological developments have improved the quality of medical transportation. Mechanical ventilation is one of the elements that has been affected by these advances with portable ventilators and monitoring systems that are increasingly similar to those used in pediatric intensive care units. To prevent complications from developing during transportation, adequate preparation is required consisting of (i) prior stabilization of the patient, (ii) assessment of potential risks and specific needs, (iii) monitoring, (iv) transport preparation, and (v) assessment of vital signs and patient management. Portable ventilators are designed to be used for short periods under difficult conditions (temperature changes, altitude, rain, knocks, etc.). Consequently they should have specific common characteristics: portability, resistance, ease of handling, low electricity and gas consumption, and safety. They should also be easy to set up. Their programming is generally similar to that of conventional ventilators and should be based on the physiologic characteristics of the child according to age and underlying process.
Medina Villanueva
J A
JA
Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos, Hospital Central de Asturias, Oviedo, España.
Concha Torre
J A
JA
Rey Galán
C
C
Menéndez Cuervo
S
S
D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000379:methods; D014187:Transportation of Patients