Training Video Library
Management of Home Ventilators
Purpose
- Provide guidelines for home health nurses and other caregivers who care for ventilator dependent clients.
- Promote safety in management of high tech care in the home setting.
- Promote self care in the home.
Applies To
- Registered Nurses
- Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses
Guidelines
- Caregivers who are willing and able to help with client care needs are necessary for discharge to the home setting.
- Individual manufacturers of home ventilator equipment have handbooks for recommendations on safe use in the home.
- Prior to discharge the home care team including the home vendor and respiratory therapist participate in establishing the plan.
- All family and care giving staff must be familiar with ventilator alarms and how to appropriately respond.The client/caregivers are instructed in how to use the manual resuscitation bag.
- The client/caregivers are instructed in how to use the manual resuscitation bag.
- A backup electrical or battery source should be available and local utility companies notified of the client home needs.
Equipment/Supplies
- Ventilator and associated circuits, filters, and tubing.
- Heated humidifier or cascade.
- External 12 volt battery and cord.
- Ambu bag.
- Disinfectant (as defined in infection control guidelines and policy).
- Air compressor and tubing for aerosol treatments (see separate procedure).
- Tracheostomy equipment and supplies.
- Communication aids.
- Equipment as needed for bowel, bladder and personal care such as hospital bed, wheelchair, commode and/or bedpan.
