Lecture Notes: Alarm Systems in Ventilators

Introduction to Alarms

• Alarms are accessible via a bell icon.
• Various parameters for alarms include:
  • High pressure limit (P peak)
  • High frequency rate
  • Minute ventilation
  • Mandatory tidal volume
  • Spontaneous exhaled tidal volume
  • High-inspired tidal volume alarm limit

Adjusting Alarms

• To adjust alarms:
  1. Touch the parameter.
  2. Use the knob to adjust.
  3. Press 'Accept' to confirm changes.

Alarm Simulation

• Three different alarm tiers:

  1. Lower Priority: Two-tone sound
  2. Escalated Alarm: Three-tone sound

• Alarms displayed in multiple locations:

  • Alarm display area
  • Top of the screen

• A banner provides:

  • Details on exceeded limits
  • Recommendations for actions
  • A hot link to the alarm setting screen

Managing and Resetting Alarms

• Reset alarms via the alarm screen.
  • Green indicator shows conditions are fine but an alarm occurred.
  • Alarm log accessible via a clipboard icon.
  • Logs up to 1,000 alarms for review.
  • Silence and reset buttons manage visual and sound indicators.

Safety Features in ICU Settings

• Critical alarms highlighted with increased volume.
• Disconnect scenario:
  • Alarm volume steps up over time to alert caregivers.
  • Designed to capture attention in busy ICU environments.

Conclusion

• Alarm systems ensure patient safety by prioritizing critical situations.
• The 980 ventilator includes features for better alarm management and safety.