Low Airway Pressures

🔑 Key Priorities

  • Recognise delayed deterioration from aspiration event

  • Supportive care, avoid unnecessary antibiotics

🧠 Team Actions

Role

Task

Team Leader

Declare circuit emergency, coordinate troubleshooting

Airway Manager

Disconnect and manually bag patient

Circulation

Monitor vitals, IV access, support fluids if septic

🧭 Management Algorithm

  1. Sudden drop in airway pressure or tidal volumes

  2. Disconnect circuit and bag manually

  3. Check for circuit disconnection or loose connectors

  4. Examine machine for leaks or open APL valve

  5. Verify gas flow, ventilator settings

  6. Reconnect once problem is resolved and reassess

🔄 Ideal Crisis Flow

   Sudden Drop in Airway Pressure / Alarms
                 ↓
     Disconnect + Bag-Valve Manual Ventilation
                 ↓
     Inspect Circuit, APL Valve, Ventilator Settings
                 ↓
         Reconnect Once Resolved + Reassess

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