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Children wearing or using medical equipment
Children with a ventilator
What should be done immediately after a power outage?
Confirmation of whether the ventilator has been switched to an emergency backup system
Confirmation that the ventilator is operating
Confirmation of the ventilator mode
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Some ventilators such as computer-controlled ones may reset themselves to default when power is interrupted. The setting must be checked after a power outage if it is set properly to fit each patient.
Measures that need to be taken if the necessary voltage level cannot be obtained |
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Children who immediately need�@artifical ventilation need an Ambu bag. Since the level of pressure and number of pressure applications differ according to individual conditions, you should obtain the information in advance. Sufficient number of staff to take care of these children must be secured. |
What should be prepared on a daily basis
An Ambu bag should always be placed at the bedside at the ready. When the central piping system becomes inoperative, you need oxygen tanks. Do you know where they are located? Is there sufficient oxygen left in the tanks? While daily maintenance may be performed by a supplier, you should also know how to operate them in emergencies. You should also be well informed of what kinds of equipment/medication need to be on an emergency cart and where they need to be.
Children who need suctioning
Both manual and battery suction devices should always be kept in the ward. You usually do not need them but must know where they are stored. Battery suction devices should always be charged and ready for emergencies.
Note: When to charge suction devices varies according to their type and manufacturer. You should check how long the devices currently available in the ward can last when they are used continuously. Since batteries are consumables, so you need to replace them with new ones regularly.
Children with infusion and syringe pumps
During a power outage, infusion and syringe pumps needed to be operated by batteries. When to charge batteries varies according to their type and manufacturer. You should check how long the batteries currently available in the ward can last when they are used continuously. Batteries are consumables, so you need to replace them with new ones regularly.
Children needing body temperature management (incubator)
During a power outage and suspension of the water supply after a disaster, especially during the winter, it is difficult to maintain good body temperature management of children. Some measures to keep them warm include extra blankets and clothing and so-called kangaroo care or cuddling by the mother. Portable disposable body warmers may serve as a good substitute, too. In using them, however, you have to be careful to avoid low-temperature burns.
Children with tubes and drains
Children under infusion therapy
When evacuating children under infusion therapy, tubes should be appropriately taken care of. Unless the infusion is necessary for sustaining their lives, tube may be pulled out, if possible. When a splint is used, it may take time to remove the needle. In such cases, instead of removing the needle, you may temporarily tie the tube with the splint and cut the tube to an appropriate length. Where to cut will vary case by case but it is recommended to leave the three-way stopcock attached. (See the figure.)It is advisable to discuss the standard procedure in each ward during regular time without disaster.
Cases where infusion routes must not be cut even in an emergency
Children receiving an infusion of drugs to sustain their lives such as prostaglandin agents, digitalis agents and other cardiovascular agents you should always be prepared to provide appropriate care for these children in an emergency by gathering information on a daily basis, including the necessity of the drugs in terms of life and death. Children with central venous infusion in disasters, the re-insertion of tubes may be difficult to perform. It is recommended to use a heparin lock during evacuation.
Children with continuous suction drainage
Continuous suctioning is performed by ventricular, thoracic and abdominal drainage. Whether it is safe or not to clamp the drainage tube depends on each child's condition. In some cases, suction pressure must be applied continuously. You should always conscious about what should be done at the time of emergency in daily basis.
Children with continuous infusion
Nasal infusion and gastric feeding usually stopped immediately when a disaster occurs. You should be prepared to start glucose solution anytime in children who are likely to develop hypoglycemia because of discontinuing the infusion.
Children who need oxygen administration
In an emergency situation, oxygen needs to be supplied from tanks.
Due to the limited number of tanks and product accessories such as flow meters that are stored in a ward, you should always be informed of who needs and who does not need a continued supply of oxygen in emergencies. You should also remember the following formula for determining the amount of oxygen remaining in a tank:
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Protecting children
