Equipment
Choice of equipment is often dependent on the preference of individual centres and requirements for a specific child. For invasively ventilated children this will include both what is required for tracheostomy care as well as ventilatory equipment. For details of this, readers are referred to the existing National guidelines, which provide excellent summaries of this aspect of care.(14, 15, 16, 22) In brief, 1-2 preferred ventilators are recommended, so that workers are familiar with the capabilities, limitations, and operation of those ventilators. A back up machine and sufficient alternate power source are important to consider for patients who are ventilator dependent. This is to ensure that in the event of equipment failure or power failure ventilation can continue to be provided through an alternate device or with a battery source or back-up generator. Strategies to address potential equipment failure include regular maintenance and servicing of home equipment as well as regular re-education of the patients and caregivers. With this approach, risks from ventilator equipment failure can be reduced and are less likely to lead to a severe adverse event than tracheostomy complications. (14, 23)