How does the Drager (anesthesia machine) Prime workstation maintain operation with an empty cylinder and no pipeline supply?

Drager Prime Workstation Operation Without Gas Supply

The Drager Prime workstation cannot function properly without both cylinder and pipeline gas supply, and attempting to use it in this condition poses serious patient safety risks including potential hypoxic brain damage and death. 1

Understanding Anesthesia Machine Gas Supply Requirements

Modern anesthesia workstations like the Drager Prime are designed with multiple safety features that require proper gas supply to function correctly:

• All anesthesia machines require either pipeline supply (400-500 kPa) or cylinder backup oxygen to operate safely 2
• Oxygen supply failure triggers safety alarms and gas shut-off mechanisms 1
• Without proper gas supply, ventilation and anesthetic delivery cannot be maintained

Emergency Response to Gas Supply Failure

When faced with a Drager Prime workstation showing empty cylinders and no pipeline supply:

1. Immediately switch to alternative ventilation method

   • Use a self-inflating bag that doesn't rely on oxygen source 2
   • This alternative ventilation equipment must be immediately available wherever anesthesia is administered

2. Locate alternative oxygen source

   • An alternative oxygen source should be readily available in all anesthetic locations 2

3. Attempt to restore gas supply

   • Check pipeline connections with a "tug test" to ensure proper insertion 2
   • Verify cylinder connections and replace empty cylinders
   • Ensure gas supply master switch is turned on (if equipped) 2

Safety Features During Supply Failure

Modern anesthesia workstations like the Drager Prime have built-in safety mechanisms:

• Oxygen failure warning devices sound an alarm for at least 7 seconds when supply fails 2
• These alarms are linked to gas shut-off devices to prevent delivery of hypoxic mixtures 2
• Power backup systems in modern machines provide approximately 30 minutes of operation 1

Critical Safety Considerations

• Never attempt to use an anesthesia machine without proper gas supply
• The Association of Anaesthetists guidelines explicitly state that adequate oxygen supply must be verified before use 2
• If a critical incident occurs during anesthesia, immediately check equipment even if pre-operative checks were completed 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Assuming backup power means gas supply

   • While electrical components may function on backup power, gas delivery requires actual gas supply 1

2. Relying on oxygen flush in emergency

   • The oxygen flush system requires pipeline or cylinder oxygen to function 1
   • Without gas supply, this emergency feature will not work

3. Failing to recognize machine failure

   • As reported with other Drager models (Apollo), machine failures can occur during cases 3
   • Always have backup ventilation equipment ready

Conclusion

The Drager Prime workstation, like all modern anesthesia machines, requires proper gas supply through either pipeline or cylinders to function safely. Operating without gas supply is dangerous and potentially fatal to patients. In case of gas supply failure, immediately switch to alternative ventilation methods while working to restore proper supply.