Control Box Functions - Your Comprehensive Guide

Comprehensive Guide to Control Box Functions

In this guide, we'll walk you through the functions of the control box for effective use.

1. Standby Position: Start with the control box in the standby position. Here, you can customize settings for your patient's ventilation.
2. Adjustments: Use the control knobs to tailor settings:
   • Inspiratory Time: Ranges from 0.1 to 3 seconds. This sets how long each breath pushes the bellows down.
   • Respiratory Rate: Ranges from 2 to 80 breaths per minute. This controls how often the bellows cycle.
   • Flow Rate: Adjust to match animal size: low for small, medium/high for large.
   • Manual Button: Offers an extra manual breath without cycling.
3. Bellows Fill: Use the "O to flush" button to fill the bellows. Release once full. Maintain a 1-2 range to compensate for minor leaks.
4. Flow Rate Setting: Keep around 1.5-2 liters per minute. Adjust as needed (0-10 LPM) for optimal ventilation.
5. Respiratory Rate Impact: Adjusting respiratory rate affects inspiratory time. Lower rates allow longer pushes; higher rates limit push duration.
6. Manual Breaths: The manual button manually delivers a breath without cycling. Useful for specific situations or power loss.
7. LED Lights: Monitor the LED indicators:
   • Inspiratory Time Light: Illuminates during the inspiratory cycle.
   • Inverse IE Ratio: Warns of overlapping settings, prompting adjustments.
   • Failure to Cycle: Rare; contact support if persistent.
   • Low Gas Pressure: Signals low gas tank pressure and sounds a buzzer.
8. Cycle Observation: When cycling, observe slight needle adjustments; this is normal. Ensure at least 60 psi gas pressure in the machine.
9. Standby and Off: Switch back to standby when done. Turn the regulator down after use.
10. Understanding Knobs: The three knobs control:
    • Push Intensity: How hard you're pushing air.
    • Push Duration: How long each push lasts.
    • Push Frequency: How often the bellows cycles.

Remember, these functions work together:

• Adjust push intensity for longer or shorter breaths.
• Modify push duration by adjusting the respiratory rate.
• For more breaths, adjust the push frequency.

By understanding these functions, you can tailor ventilation to your patient's needs effectively. Practice and experience will help you optimize settings for different situations.