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SAVe Frequently Asked Questions

What are the tidal volume and respiration rate of the SAVe?
The tidal volume of the SAVe is 600 mL and the respiration rate is 10 bpm (breaths per minute).

Are the tidal volume and respiration rates adjustable?
The tidal volume and respiration rates are preset at the factory and cannot be adjusted. These preset rates eliminate guesswork in the field and aid to speed the resuscitation process. If alternate rates are required, these can be defined and requested for approval.

What is the peak inspiratory pressure limit?
The peak inspiratory pressure limit is 38cmH2O to prevent over-inflation.

What is the positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP)?
The positive end expiratory pressure is zero. There is no PEEP.

Can the SAVe be used in conjunction with supplemental oxygen or medical grade air?
One of the advantages of the SAVe is that it runs off ambient air, therefore no compressed gas source is needed. However, the SAVe can accept up to 6 LPM of O2, (FiO2 as high as 62%) if desired. 

What happens if a patient condition changes or a device related error occurs?
The SAVe is equipped with suppressible alarms that detect blockage, disconnect and leakage. The unit is designed to cut-off power to the pump when the delivery of additional air would cause immediate harm to the patient.  Although this safety feature protects the patient, a medic needs to respond quickly to fix the fault that triggered the alarm to prevent harm to the patient.  

What can cause a patient related alarm to sound?

  • Patient circuit is disconnected somewhere between the ventilator and the mask or ET tube.
  • A broken or punctured patient circuit.
  • A poor seal between the patient and breathing mask.
  • A blockage of the intake port, patient port, or exhaust air flow port
  • The patient is capable of breathing sufficiently enough to fight the ventilator's function.

    What accessories should be replaced after each use?
    The patient mask, ET tube, debris filter, and patient breathing circuit (including valve and fitting) should all be disposed of between patients.  If an EtCO2 sensor is being used, it should be changed every hour.  All of the parts are "Type B - non Conductive" and can be immediately released from the patient.

    How is the SAVe powered?
    The SAVe is powered by a rechargeable battery or an AC adapter with electrical outlet.  The medical grade power supply accepts input voltages ranging from 100-240 VAC and operating frequencies of 50-60Hz; giving the SAVe world-wide versatility with just one power supply.

    What is the SAVe battery life?
    The SAVe battery life is up to 5.5 hours. The battery life longevity will depend on when the unit was last fully charged and to what temperature the battery has been exposed.  Four lights illuminate when the battery is fully charged.  When only one battery light is illuminated and flashing, the SAVe has less than 60 minutes of battery life left.  At this point, connect unit to an external power supply, if available, or prepare to replace unit or ventilate patient by other means.  The SAVe battery can both run and recharge while connected to an external power supply.

    Can the SAVe battery be changed in the field?
    The SAVe battery is only serviceable by AutoMedx qualified repair technicians. Repairs should not be performed by unqualified technicians.

    How long does it take to recharge the battery?
    A fully discharged battery will take approximately 6 hours to fully recharge. The SAVe battery can both run and recharge while connected to an external power supply.  Fully recharge the battery after each use.

    What's happening when all four battery lights are blinking?
    The internal temperature is too high.  Ventilator may not be working properly.  Replace unit if possible.  If not available, ventilate patient by other means or begin rescue breathing.

    Can the SAVe be used without a debris filter and how often must one change the filter?
     The SAVe should never be used without the debris filter installed.  The debris filter should be cleaned or replaced whenever visible buildup of dirt is observed or it has been exposed to biomaterial such as blood or vomitus.  Automedx recommends cleaning or replacing the debris filter after each patient use.

    Does the SAVe unit allow spontaneous breathing?
     The SAVe unit does allow for spontaneous breathing.

    Does the SAVe require the use an End-Tidal (Et)CO2 Detector?
    It is strongly recommended that the care provider install an EtCO2 detector in-line with the patient circuit between the valve and the patient.  The material inside the viewing window will turn purple if the patient's exhale includes carbon dioxide (CO2).  The presence of CO2 in the patient's exhaled air is a good indicator that a proper respiratory exchange is occurring in the patient's lungs.  If the material does not turn purple, ensure that the patients is properly entubated if an ET Tube has been inserted or that the mask has a tight seal.

    How long does the EtCO2 Detector last?
    The EtCO2 sensor lasts approximately 1 hour.  The sensor may not be refurbished or reused and should be properly disposed of once expended.  To ensure compatibility and proper operation only use the EtCO2 detectors supplied by Automedx.

    Can the alarms be silenced for military field requirements?
    Yes.  Alarms can be activated differently as shown below.  However, if all alarms are suppressed, the patient must be constantly monitored, as there is no means for the SAVe to alert nearby personnel of a patient related or device related error.

  • ON Position - activates the ventilator and both visual and audible alarms.
  • Light Bulb / No speaker - Operate visual while silencing alarms
  • Speaker / No light bulb - Activates the audible alarm while suppressing visual alarms.
  • No speaker / No light bulb - Silences alarm and suppresses visual alarms.

    How much does the SAVe unit weigh?
    The SAVe unit weighs only 3.1 lbs. which is very light versus comparable emergency transport ventilators which weigh 13-14 pounds.

    What are the dimensions of the SAVe unit?
    The SAVe is a compact unit and measures 6.5 x 6.25 x 2.5 inches.

    How durable is the SAVE?
    The SAVe was designed for combat and rugged outdoor environments. The SAVe unit has passed our repetitive drop test requirements.

    Is the SAVe unit waterproof?
    The SAVe unit is water resistant but it is not waterproof and should not be submerged.

    Are there replaceable parts for the SAVe unit?
    The unit itself is designed for repetitive use.  It has components that can and should be replaced over time.  Both the patient circuit (tubing) and the intake filter are replaceable.  To purchase replacement parts, call Automedx at: 1-301-916-9508 x300.

    What is the warranty?
    The SAVe unit carries a one year limited manufacturer's warranty to the original purchaser if there is a defect in material or workmanship in the SAVe and Automedx is notified of such defect within one year of Customer's original purchase.  Automedx shall, in its sole and absolute discretion, repair or provide a replacement of such defective part(s) at no charge to the Customer.  This warranty is not applicable to batteries or used consumables. 

    Battery Warranty: If there is a defect in material or workmanship in the battery contained in the SAVe and Automedx is notified of such defect within 90 days of Customer's original purchase, Automedx shall, in its sole and absolute discretion, repair or provide a replacement of such defective batteries at no charge to the customer.


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