Life With ALS.com

+    Diagnosed Aug 2005

+     Bipap March 2007

+     PEG July 2007

+     Trache and Vent July 2008

Still Living, Loving & Laughing

Home Care for Trache - Info?

 

Your Safety and Comfort

The following is a review of some of the supplies and

procedures required to help ensure your safety and

comfort.

 

Ventilators

BACK-UP SUPPLIES

Always have the following available in case of an emergency:

• Bacterial filters (front)

• Bagging unit

• Circuits, including exhalation manifold

• Flex hoses

• Gloves

• Intake filters (back)

• Spare exhalation valve (balloon)

• Spare tracheostomy tube

• Suction catheters

• Tracheostomy adapters

 

Circuit changes and cleaning

Replace your entire circuit (except the exhalation manifold) every 12 months. We recommend that you clean your circuit every week following this procedure:

• Disassemble the circuit

• Wash it in warm soapy water using mild soap

• Rinse

• Soak it in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water for 30 minutes

• Rinse

• Hang to dry

 

Humidifiers

Humidifiers increase the vapour content of the air you inhale. Here are some recommendations on using them:

• Always clean and disinfect according to the manufacturer’s directions

• Never leave your bedside humidifier turned on when you are not using it

• Clean and replace the water everyday using only distilled or de-mineralized water. This will extend the life of your humidifier chamber.

• If sterile water is required, the distilled or demineralized water must be boiled and left to cool

 

Use Distilled Water. If your humidifier contains scale or crusty deposits, or is covered by a white dust, then you are probably using water that contains minerals. It is important to use the right type of water, because minerals can result in

the growth of micro-organisms, and will also shorten your humidifier’s life.

Tap water always contains minerals. Only use it if you have no de-mineralized water available. Use bottled water that is labeled “distilled.” This can be purchased at your local drugstore. Do not use bottled waters that are labeled “spring,” “artesian” or “mineral” because they may contain minerals. Water filtering systems like those you place on your refrigerator remove some odours and chlorine, but are not effective in removing the minerals that cause scaling and deposits.

 

Batteries

Testing the power level of your internal battery: You should test your internal battery once a month. To test, make sure your ventilator has been fully charged and you are not using it. Disconnect your ventilator from the wall socket or wheelchair battery and let it run until the low power alarm comes on. Note the start and stop time of the test. If the test result is under 45 minutes call your supplier.

The battery probably needs replacing. Make sure you recharge the battery after testing so it is ready to use.

Charging: Disconnect your ventilator from the wheelchair battery and plug it into a wall outlet. Charge your battery daily. Charging your wheelchair when your

ventilator is connected will not fully charge your ventilator’s internal battery.

 

Liquids and Your Ventilator

• Keep all liquids away from your ventilator

• Rain and snow can damage your ventilator if it is not properly covered.

• It is essential to call your supplier anytime liquid is spilled on your unit. Do so even if the unit appears to be functioning normally.

 

Tips

• Check your respiratory supplies on a monthly basis. Keep enough stock on hand so that you only need to order supplies a few times a year. This way there is no panic when you run short or something is no longer available.

• Never, ever go anywhere without your Ambu bag.

• Always take an emergency kit and a portable suction machine with you. Check both regularly to make sure they work. Carry extra suction catheters in your

backpack.

• Write down all your vent settings and store them in a

safe place. Inevitably you’ll get your vent back (from

repair) and the settings will have been changed.