A Simulated Single Ventilator / Dual Patient Ventilation Strategy for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Jose A. Solis-Lemus; Edward Costar; Denis Doorly; Eric C. Kerrigan; Caroline H. Kennedy; Frances Tait; Steven A Niederer; Peter E. Vincent; Steven E. Williams

As such, the practice of ventilator sharing has been widely debated. In the United States, the Society (while any other clinically proven, safe and reliable therapy remains available). 15 This statement cited multiple problems with ventilator sharing including i.) the inability to deliver different pressures or achieve the required tidal volumes in individual patients, ii.) the inability to manage positive endexpiratory pressure (PEEP), which is of critical importance to these patients, iii.) risks of crossinfection, iv.) difficulties monitoring both patients simultaneously, v.) difficulties arising from one patient deteriorating suddenly or having a cardiac arrest and vi.) ethical issues. 15 To be absolutely clear, the ventilation of two patients using a single machine is strongly advised against if any alternate option is available. However, given the current unprecedented situation, it appears likely that there will not be enough ventilators worldwide, therefore leading to indirect deaths due to lack of available resources.