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Product Applications from the Field: Airon MACS Improving Patient Outcomes in South Texas
South Texas patients are breathing easier thanks to Airon MACS CPAP for emergency care and transport. South Texas Emergency Care in Harlingen, TX, began using the Airon MACS system in July 2010. According to Director of Support Services/Training Pete Moreno, Jr., "Emergency calls in which CPAP was applied all have pretty much the same scenario, from severe respiratory distress upon EMS contact to a much improved patient at the emergency room."
Moreno says that while other products were looked at, the Airon MACS system was chosen because of the fact that not all patients requiring CPAP need 100% oxygen. "The MACS system gives the option of 100% O2 or 65% O2," he says. He also appreciates that it's very light and portable and has proven to be very durable.
The key advantage to using CPAP, according to Moreno, is that it provides immediate relief to patients in respiratory distress from congestive heart failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, near drowning, asthma and COPD.
"We have seen a reduction in field endotracheal intubations over the past 18 months because of the difference CPAP makes to patients in severe respiratory distress that would otherwise be intubated," Moreno says.
Moreno cites just one example. "We had an emergency call of an elderly female who was in severe respiratory distress, with COPD, mild chest pain, with saturations in the low 80s. CPAP was applied and by the end of the EMS patient encounter, she had 100% oxygen saturations and her respiratory distress had subsided."
Training included anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system and the mechanics of ventilation. The device is user friendly and easy to operate, according to Moreno.
Field crews have nothing but positive comments on what they call the incredible difference it makes to patients. Moreno says CPAP has been a great addition to their protocols and they way they handle patients in respiratory distress.
