Equipment
Choice of equipment is often dependent on the preference of individual
centres and requirements for a specific child. For invasively ventilated
children this will include both what is required for tracheostomy care
as well as ventilatory equipment. For details of this, readers are
referred to the existing National guidelines, which provide excellent
summaries of this aspect of care.(14, 15, 16, 22) In brief, 1-2
preferred ventilators are recommended, so that workers are familiar with
the capabilities, limitations, and operation of those ventilators. A
back up machine and sufficient alternate power source are important to
consider for patients who are ventilator dependent. This is to ensure
that in the event of equipment failure or power failure ventilation can
continue to be provided through an alternate device or with a battery
source or back-up generator. Strategies to address potential equipment
failure include regular maintenance and servicing of home equipment as
well as regular re-education of the patients and caregivers. With this
approach, risks from ventilator equipment failure can be reduced and are
less likely to lead to a severe adverse event than tracheostomy
complications. (14, 23)