What to do if a medical machine (e.g. ventilator or dialysis machine) fails in multiple hospitals?

Managing Medical Equipment Failure in Multiple Hospitals

When a medical machine like a ventilator or dialysis machine fails in multiple hospitals, you should immediately inform both hospital administration and the Ministry of Health, followed by notifying the equipment manufacturer to ensure patient safety and minimize mortality risk.

Immediate Response Protocol

Step 1: Initial Notification

• Immediately inform hospital administration about the equipment failure 1
• Document the nature of the failure, affected equipment models, and any patient impact
• Alert the department head and clinical engineering department

Step 2: External Notification

• Notify the Ministry of Health (MOH) about the widespread equipment failure 1
• Contact the equipment manufacturer/company to report the issue and request technical support 1
• If the equipment is critical for life support (e.g., ventilators), activate emergency protocols

Equipment Management Strategy

For Critical Life-Supporting Equipment

• Implement emergency backup plans immediately:
  • Identify alternative equipment that can provide similar function (e.g., anesthesia machines as ventilators) 1
  • Consider manual ventilation temporarily if absolutely necessary, though this is not ideal due to operator fatigue and infection risk 1
  • Arrange for patient transfers to facilities with functional equipment if necessary 1

For Non-Critical But Essential Equipment

• Prioritize patients based on clinical need
• Implement resource allocation protocols based on those most likely to benefit 1
• Consider alternative treatment modalities when appropriate

System-Level Response

Hospital Administration's Role

• Activate the Hospital Emergency Executive Control Group 1
• Conduct inventory assessment of remaining functional equipment 1
• Implement resource sharing between departments or with other healthcare facilities
• Establish communication channels with regional health authorities

Ministry of Health's Role

• Coordinate response across multiple affected hospitals
• Facilitate equipment sharing or redistribution between facilities
• Mobilize emergency stockpiles if available
• Consider emergency procurement procedures

Prevention of Future Incidents

Equipment Management Improvements

• Develop comprehensive inventory of critical equipment and supplies 1
• Implement different maintenance strategies based on equipment type:
  • Preventive maintenance for older technology devices 2
  • Predictive maintenance for newer high-tech devices 2
• Establish backup systems and redundancies for critical equipment

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Delaying notification to authorities or manufacturers, which can worsen the situation
• Failing to document the nature and extent of equipment failures
• Not having backup plans or alternative equipment options identified in advance
• Overlooking the need for staff training on alternative equipment
• Neglecting to assess the impact on patient care and potential risks

Remember that during equipment failures affecting multiple hospitals, a coordinated response involving hospital administration, the Ministry of Health, and equipment manufacturers is essential to minimize patient harm and restore normal operations as quickly as possible.