Ventilation Criteria for Aeromedical Evacuation.
Abstract
Air evacuation of patients requiring mechanical ventilation exposes these individuals to a barometric pressure that is approximately 25% less than normal. This limits the maximum inspired oxygen tension that can be provided as well as possibly altering ventilatory requirements. We investigated this problem in two ways. First, we used a theoretical analysis to set tolerance limits on vital physiological functions. Oxygen delivery, the product of cardiac output and arterial oxygen concentration, is the most important factor in ensuring survival. Surprisingly, overall ventilation could be reduced substantially without resulting in an unfavorable outcome. In the second portion of the study, we induced the respiratory distress syndrome in anesthetized dogs and then exposed them to a reduced barometric pressure similar to that encountered with aeromedical evacuation. These experiments demonstrated no change in ventilatory requirements but indicated that reduced inspired oxygen tension resulted in substantial hypoxemia. Using these data, we have proposed guidelines for selecting candidates for aeromedical evacuation and determining optimal inspired oxygen concentration during air transport.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA173602
Entities
People
- Alan R. Saltzman
- Alan T. Aquilina
- Brydon J. B. Grant
- Patricia A. Land
- Robert A. Klocke
Organizations
- University at Buffalo