Mr Benjamin STANTON1
1SA AMBULANCE SERVICE, ,
Abstract:
The purpose of the presentation
This presentation will discuss and describe the mechanical circulation and/or respiratory support devices (MCRSD’s) that personnel working in the aeromedical retrieval and transport environment will come across at any one time. It will also focus on the specific transport considerations of each of these devices. The devices that will be discussed are the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), peripheral and paracorporeal ventricular assist devices (VAD’s) and extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
The nature and scope of the topic
The use of mechanical devices to support the critically ill patient’s failing cardiovascular and / or respiratory system is becoming more commonplace in critical care areas including even the resuscitation bay of the emergency department. Many factors have driven these changes including, but not limited to, the ease of the insertion of catheters and cannulas, ease of device set up and initiation, their compact size and portability, improved membrane and circuit biocompatibility and changes to clinical practice (e.g. eCPR). All these factors have therefore made these devices more commonplace in the aeromedical and retrieval transport environment.
The issue or problem under consideration
Clinicians who are transporting these patients need to have a good working knowledge and understanding of these devices, especially if they are responsible for the overall patient care & management. However, these devices can seem daunting to personnel not overly familiar with them. Demystifying the specific equipment and patient management is key to improving confidence and competence in the transport environment. Understanding the specific aeromedical and transport considerations for these devices is paramount for any organisation to ensure patient and staff safety.
The outcome or the conclusion reached
Understanding the specific mechanical device insitu, the transportation considerations of these devices including common problems & troubleshooting will assist the clinician in undertaking these transports safely.
Biographies:
Ben Stanton is a Nurse Practitioner specialising in aeromedical retrieval & transport, currently employed at South Australian Ambulance Service (SAAS) MedSTAR Emergency Medical Retrieval Service. He is passionate about the nurse’s role in the stabilisation, management and transportation of the critically ill medical and trauma patient, as well as clinical education and simulation training. He is a member of AUSMAT, the Australian Government’s emergency and disaster response capability for Australia and is an active specialist reserve member of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) specialising in the transportation of the critically ill & injured.