|
The Equipment We Use
Vital Sign Monitor: This machine shows the baby's
heart rate, respiratory rate (breaths per minute), blood pressure
and blood oxygen saturation.
Ventilator: This machine helps the baby breathe by
inflating his or her lungs with air or an oxygen mixture if
needed. The ventilator is connected to an endotracheal tube
or ET tube that is inserted in the baby's windpipe and rests
just above the lungs.
IV pumps: These machines are used to give the baby
the exact amount of IV fluid and/or medication.
Oxygen Tanks: These tanks contain oxygen in case
the baby is having breathing problems and needs extra oxygen.
What We Do
The infant's condition may need to be stabilized before traveling
in the ambulance. An important aspect of his or her care is
to make sure that the baby is breathing adequately. Sometimes
it is necessary to give the infant oxygen to help him or her
breathe easier. Oxygen can be given by a face mask or sometimes
it is necessary to put the infant on a breathing machine or
ventilator.
If this is the case, the infant must have an endotracheal
tube. The following terms will give a better understanding
of what might happen in connection with stabilizing the infant's
condition to transport.
The Tubes
Chest Tubes: A tube that is inserted into the chest
to drain air and fluid trapped outside the lung. If the baby
has a collapsed lung (pneumothorax), this procedure may be
necessary.
Endotracheal
Tube (ET) A tube
that goes into the baby's windpipe (trachea) is called an
endotracheal tube or ET tube. It passes through the vocal
cords and rests inside the lungs. Because it passes through
the vocal cords, you will not be able to hear the baby
cry. When the baby no longer needs this tube and it is removed,
you will be able to hear the baby cry and make other baby
sounds.
Intravenous Catheter or IV A thin plastic tube that
is inserted into the vein to give IV fluids (a sugar solution)
and medications. Inserting an IV will be uncomfortable for
the baby, but after the IV is taped and secure, it should
not hurt. Doctors and nurses put IVs into hands, arms, legs
and feet. Sometimes, it may be necessary to insert an IV in
a vein on the baby's scalp. If this is necessary, a small
section of his or her hair will have to be shaved. You need
not worry, the baby's hair will grow back.
Umbilical Arterial Catheter (UAC) A long, thin, pliable
tube that is inserted into an artery located in the baby's
umbilical cord. This special IV is to obtain blood samples
for testing without having to stick the baby with a needle
to draw blood. It is also used to monitor the baby's blood
pressure.
Umbilical Vein Catheter (UVC) A long, thin, pliable
tube that is inserted into a vein located in the baby's umbilical
cord. The veins located in the umbilical cord are quite large.
The insertion of this tube is not painful and usually lasts
much longer than a regular IV listed above.
Peripheral Arterial Line (PAL) A special IV that is
placed in an artery located in the wrist, feet or scalp. It
is used to obtain blood samples for testing and to monitor
blood pressure.
Orogastric
Tube (OG Tube) or Nasogastric (NG Tube) A
tube that is placed through the baby's mouth (og) or nose
(ng) into their stomach. This tube is used to remove air or
fluid from the baby's stomach that can make them feel uncomfortable.
When the baby is ready to start eating formula or breast milk,
he or she may be fed through this tube, if they are not yet
ready to suck a bottle. The baby may gag when the tube is
inserted, but it does not hurt.
|
