It’s already stressful having to manage a ventilator at home, then you add on the fact that it likes to beep at you. Here, we’re going to discuss some of the most common EVO alarms and how to correct them.
When an alarm occurs:
- Be sure the patient has adequate ventilation and oxygen. If required, provide an alternate method of
ventilation. (Bag the patient) - Tap the Alarm List to view all alarms and messages. If you see the help icon, you can tap it for more
information. - If you want to silence the alarm temporarily, press the Alarm Silence button on the device to pause all
audible alarms for 2 minutes. It can be hard to process the problem with the ventilator screaming at you. - Take action to resolve the alarm.
Let’s start with POWER Alarms
Low Battery – Yellow backlight (medium priority alarm) means your last battery has reached the last 20 minutes of its battery life. Find an alternate power source quickly. Red backlight (high priority alarm) means you have 10 minutes of battery life left. Find an alternate power source immediately and/or alternate source of ventilation.
AC Power Disconnected – Ventilator is running off battery power.
Internal Battery In Use – Power source has used all of the detachable battery and has switched to the internal battery. Confirm the remaining battery capacity.
Replace Detachable Battery – The detachable battery has failed or has reached the end of it’s charging life. Contact your DME for a replacement.
MEDIUM Priority Alarms (Yellow Backlight)
Rebreathing Detected – Check the whisper swivel for obstruction. Take out and clean or replace if necessary.
Low Expiratory Pressure – Check the circuit for leaks or kinks.
Low Inspiratory Pressure – Check the circuit for leaks or kinks.
HIGH Priority Alarms (Red Backlight)
Ventilator Inoperative – The system has a component failure and has stopped ventilating. Seek an alternate source of ventilation and contact your DME.
Ventilator Service Required – The device is not performing to specification, a backup safety feature is compromised, or the delivery therapy is compromised. The device continues to function, possibly in a reduced capacity. Contact your DME.
Obstruction – Check the circuit for kinks, and make sure the bacteria filter isn’t clogged.
Circuit Disconnect – Make sure the patient has not disconnected from the circuit. Check for leaks. Make sure the trach is in the proper position in the neck, kids can be sneaky and decannulate the trach to be hidden under the trach tie.
Low MinVent – Check for excess water in the circuit. Check for leaks or kinks in the circuit.
Always check the patient first for signs of distress and then proceed to troubleshooting the alarm. When in doubt, contact your DME.
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