Event Description

Pandemic events present multiple challenges to the health care environment and the ability of the respiratory therapist to provide mechanical ventilation to all persons in need. The Strategic National Stockpile is a repository of ventilators that would be used to supplement the supply currently in use by the nation’s acute care facilities. These ventilators can be requested and allocated to areas of need in the event of a pandemic. 

Learning Objectives

• Discuss the issues that would be encountered regarding pandemic events and the need for mechanical ventilation.
• Describe capabilities of the three SNS ventilators.
• Identify how the SNS ventilators are allocated and utilized during a pandemic event.
• Identify how the SNS ventilators are stored and maintained.

Event Costs

There is no charge for this event.

Event Continuing Education Credits

Application has been made to the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) for continuing education contact hours for respiratory therapists.

Event Agenda

Mass Respiratory Failure
Dario Rodriquez MS RRT RPFT FAARC, Union KY
This session will focus on how a pandemic event will impact acute care facilities and the provision of mechanical ventilation. The respiratory therapist’s role in these events will also be discussed. 

RT Roles in Mass Respiratory Failure
Richard Branson MSc RRT FAARC, Cincinnati OH
This session will concentrate specifically on the respiratory therapist’s role in mass respiratory failure.

SNS Stockpile: Ventilator Allocation, Storage and Maintenance
Catherine Mitchell MSN BSN RN, Atlanta GA
This session will describe how SNS ventilators are requested and delivered. In addition, the presenter will discuss how the SNS ventilators are stored and maintained.

A Clinician’s Perspective: The SNS Ventilators
Richard Branson MSc RRT FAARC, Cincinnati OH
The Strategic National Stockpile consists of three specific mechanical ventilators. This session will discuss the capabilities of all three mechanical ventilators.

SNS Hands on Ventilator Training
Richard Branson MSc RRT FAARC, Cincinnati OH
Dario Rodriquez MS RRT RPFT FAARC Union KY
This session will provide the respiratory therapist with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with all three SNS ventilators.