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In a mass casualty incident or significant chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive event, the available oxygen supply may be depleted before healthcare providers can complete treatment. The reasons for the shortfall of oxygen administration devices may vary. If there was a mass shooting or terrorist incident, it could be due to the sheer number of victims. If it was a natural disaster, destroyed infrastructure and inoperable medical facilities could be the cause.
Prevention and mitigation of this loss are essential for the greatest number of recovered victims and to prevent future complications from improper treatment. Learn more about the different types of oxygen delivery systems available for mass casualty events and how to ensure an uninterrupted oxygen supply.
Planning for Emergency Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen is not one of the materials stored for emergencies as part of the Strategic National Stockpile. Rather, the federal government contracts private vendors to deliver oxygen as needed. Therefore, it is up to hospitals and healthcare entities to establish their own backup supplies of oxygen in preparation for mass casualty events.
If a natural disaster causes an extended loss of power, individuals that require respiratory care (supplemental oxygen and concentrators) will be encouraged to go to the nearest hospital or medical facility. Unfortunately, this will put an additional strain on that facility’s oxygen supply, as there will already be patients (such as those in an intensive care unit) that require constant oxygen.
Types of Oxygen Delivery Devices
There are a large number of oxygen delivery methods, including devices and masks. The type of device and mask depends on the necessary flow rate of oxygen for the patient and the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), which is a measurement of the oxygen concentration in the air that the patient is breathing in compared to normal room air.
In some patients (such as those who have undergone a tracheostomy), humidified oxygen provides greater comfort because it’s delivered to the lower airway, bypassing the upper airway which moistens inhaled air. Humidification also prevents the mucous membranes in the lungs from drying out.
During a mass casualty event, the ability to deliver oxygen to multiple patients at a time prevents unnecessary deaths. There are different options for mass oxygen delivery depending on the specific needs of the hospital or healthcare facility.
Total Oxygen Administration Device (TOAD)
A total oxygen administration device allows for immediate oxygen administration from high-pressure gas cylinders or liquid oxygen VGL sources. A combination of flow meters can be applied to the TOAD to handle the demands of the particular incident. Onboard interface circuits facilitate seamless switching between high or low pressure with no interruption. Up to 24 patients can be accommodated at one time using the TOAD.
VORTRAN E-Surge Kit
The VORTRAN E-Surge Kit is a total system for triage conditions or a situation where ventilators are in short supply. The kit includes 6 gas-operated ventilators that can be operated using the gas flow from a single source. Since the kit does not rely on electricity or batteries, it is a valuable backup system in the event of a mass casualty incident that involves power loss.
The Kit comes packaged in a watertight, high-visibility storage case and can be stored for up to 5 years.
FloTec Oxygen Distribution Manifold System
For quick deployment in a mobile hospital tent or triage situation, the FloTec Oxygen Distribution Manifold System can deliver oxygen or other medical gasses to up to six patients at a time. This portable oxygen system includes the necessary flow meters, hoses, and other equipment as well as a carrying bag.
Oxygen Masks
Whether it’s a high-flow or low-flow system for oxygen therapy, they all involve some kind of appliance that a patient wears for non-invasive ventilation. The nasal cannula is the delivery method that most of us are familiar with, and they come in configurations for both low-flow and high-flow oxygen administration. Oxygen is delivered up the patient’s nostrils through the cannula’s nasal prongs. There is also the simple face mask, which is used for higher oxygen flow rates and oxygen saturation levels.
A venturi mask is similar to a simple face mask, but the inspiratory flow of oxygen can be controlled with more precision, which is ideal for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) patients. Finally, a non-rebreather mask is another common type of flow device. Non-rebreather masks are high-flow systems that deliver a high concentration of oxygen. They do not allow outside air to be breathed in, and exhaled carbon dioxide is directed out of a one-way valve on the mask. The attached oxygen reservoir bag stores the oxygen mixture that the patient breathes. If the bag becomes fully deflated, the patient no longer has an oxygen source and can subsequently go into respiratory distress. Non-rebreather masks are also frequently utilized by those with lung disease or respiratory failure.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices are utilized in a variety of lifesaving situations when a patient is in respiratory distress. A CPAP machine delivers a continuous stream of pressurized air into the nose and mouth that pushes past blockages to ensure continual normal breathing. CPAP therapy can help people with fluid in their lungs (pulmonary edema), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute bronchospasms, and severe asthma attacks. Disposable CPAP devices such as the Flow Safe II, GO-PAP and O2-MAXX are used to provide oxygen to patients in emergency situations who have experienced toxic inhalation, drowning, flail chest, lung infections, and more.
Be Ready for Oxygen Emergencies
All of these oxygen delivery systems have their place in a mass casualty environment. It’s important to understand how each system works and to be prepared for that type of incident when it arises.
The best way to prepare your hospital, healthcare facility, or jurisdiction is to get equipped with the medical supplies from the experts at Penn Care. They have been in the medical supply industry for over 30 years, offering the best prices, expert advice, and a smooth customer experience. Call Penn Care today!
