The ventilator’s main purpose is to assist the patient in breathing (Behbehani, 1995; Kirby
et al., 1990). When used with neonates and pediatric patients, the ventilator must have
sufficient flow range and sensitivity. The flow range is an important consideration for purchasing
ventilators for use in an NICU and PICU. Typical inspiratory and expiratory tidal
volume can range from 10–399 ml ± 0.5ml for pediatrics patients, and 2.0–39ml ± 0.5ml
for neonates. The flow-rate can range can be as sensitive as 0.00–3 l/s ± 1%.
Ventilators are designed to provide the proper pressure flow range (0.1 ml/s − 3 l/s) for
all hospital patients. The power supply requirements are standard, as for most medical
equipment, although general battery backup devices are essential and should provide battery
power for approximately 30 minutes. Additional features to consider with regard to
power are hospital-grade twist-lock power plugs to prevent disconnection if the ventilator
is accidentally moved. Ventilators require a medical gas supply that is free from water and
oil, to ensure the proper operation. The amount of water in the air supply should be less
than 5 g/m3, and the oil content should be less than 0.5mg/m3. The amount of water in the
oxygen supply should be less than 20 mg/m3. Air and O2 pressures should be in the range
of 200–650kPa. The medical gas supply for the hospital should be tested prior to ventilator
use. One should evaluate the hospital’s standard on medical gas fittings so that the
proper connectors for the ventilators can be purchased