Ventilators May Not Be The Answer

[Kathianne]

And may be harmful for many. I’ve been reading snippets of this for days, but not getting why. This article explains it quite well.

https://www.statnews.com/2020/04/08/doctors-say-ventilators-overused-for-covid-19/

[Kathianne]

More:

https://www.foxnews.com/health/doctors-ventilators-coronavirus-pandemic

[High_Plains_Drifter]

Very interesting...

[Drummond]

More:

https://www.foxnews.com/health/doctors-ventilators-coronavirus-pandemic

Yes. The British media have been reporting on this, saying that if the illness reaches the stage where a ventilator is rendered necessary, survival odds are no better than 50-50.

I see from your link that the UK claimed 66%, though ? That's worse than I've been hearing.

[Gunny]

And may be harmful for many. I’ve been reading snippets of this for days, but not getting why. This article explains it quite well.

https://www.statnews.com/2020/04/08/doctors-say-ventilators-overused-for-covid-19/


More:

https://www.foxnews.com/health/doctors-ventilators-coronavirus-pandemicHaving been on a ventilator and intubation, I for one am ALL FOR anything less invasive. I promise you, cured or not, you don't come out the other end the way you went in.

[Abbey Marie]

That is very interesting...

[Kathianne]

Proud, wasted no time with all the ventilator reports:


https://abc7chicago.com/health/helmets-could-prove-lifesaving-for-covid-19-patients-doctors-say/6093782/?fbclid=IwAR1Yu_g0pGGQ0e9yVg_XVm791tBZPB_T8emoa6En XrXK3VH2HsgYx6dDEsk

CORONAVIRUS CHICAGO
UChicago Medicine doctors using helmets to treat COVID-19 patients struggling to breathe
By Alexis McAdams

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doctors at the University of Chicago are using a helmet to treat COVID-19 patients who are struggling to breathe.


The hospital's COVID-19 ICU is using the spacesuit-like helmet as an alternative to a ventilator.


"It is like a hyperbaric oxygen chamber," said UChicago Medicine Dr. Bhaki Patel.


Dr. Patel said the hospital is using the helmet "as a strategy to prevent an intubation or a ventilator" for five patients so far.


Two of the nation's top pulmonary doctors, Dr. Patel and Dr. John Kress, have studied the helmets for years in Chicago. The duo found that the device helps critically ill patients breathe better without being intubated.


The clear plastic FDA-approved helmet surrounds the patient's head and pumps oxygen into their lungs at high pressure.


"The way that it feels is if you go on an airplane and they pressurize the cabin," Dr. Patel said.


The doctors said patients who use the helmet instead of a ventilator spend less time in the ICU and have a better rate of survival.


"They do not have to go to a nursing facility or spend time connected to a ventilator," Dr. Patel said.


The devices can hook up directly to the hospital's oxygen supply.


The helmet is sealed with an airtight collar, so the oxygen does not leak out. A filter on the end also stops the virus from spreading.


The helmet also allows the patient to rest more easily, doctors said.


"The most common response for people with whom it is going to work is because they can now take a breath," Dr. Kress said.


They aren't stuck in bed sedated.


"The patient can have a helmet on and get out of bed and walk," Dr. Kress said.


With a low supply of ventilators, the hospital is training their staff to use the helmets, preparing for what is still to come in the fight against COVID-19.