a suit that filters the air. Intubation should be done in a room with
negative pressure when possible.
Last resort
The FDA has approved repurposing anesthesia machines for use as
ventilators in an emergency-use authorization, intended to increase
access to life-saving treatments for COVID-19 patients. Anesthesia
machines in use as ventilators require special supervision by proper-
ly trained anesthesia professionals in order to ensure patient safety.
In the current situation, we are doing things that wouldn't typically
be done. Using anesthesia machines as ventilators is one way we are
responding during this desperate time to save lives.
OSM
Dr. McLaughlin (m.mclaughlin@rutgers.edu) is an assistant professor and
assistant program director of the Rutgers School of Nursing's Nurse
Anesthesia program in Newark, N.J.
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