At Dräger, we create products that protect, support and save lives. Because we recognize our responsibility for the safety of our employees, our customers and the general public, we take the danger of a possible pandemic very seriously. That’s why we are closely monitoring the development of the respiratory influenza A(H1N1), also known as the swine flu, as well as the assessment of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Procedures to follow during a pandemic

Various organizations have released recommendations concerning procedures to follow in the event of a flu infection or pandemic. To prevent an infection from spreading, the WHO recommends NIOSH protection level N95 (or similar). This corresponds to European standard FFP2 (94% filter performance). FFP stands for Filtering Facepieces (half-masks), which are available in various protection classes. The Committee for Biological Agents (Ausschuss für Biologische Arbeitsstoffe (ABAS)) recommends that the protection class of FFP masks depends on the activities of the wearer:

• FFP1: for activities during which there is contact with suspected cases
  
  
• FFP2: for activities in which there can be exposure to coughing outbursts
  
  
• FFP3: for “pronounced exposure" in the medical environment (recommended by the Robert Koch Institute and ABAS)
  
  

All masks are to be disposed of after use.

FFP masks from Dräger
For over 100 years, Dräger has produced respiratory protection products that support safe breathing. Today, Dräger carries FFP masks in all protection classes. Dräger X-plore 1700 and Dräger X-plore 1300 series offer masks for all three EN protection classes: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3, according to EN149:2001. The masks of the Dräger X-plore 1700 series can be stored for four years and the Dräger X-plore 1300 series for five years. Particle filtering half-masks offer effective protection from fine dust, as well as solid and liquid particles. Half-masks from Dräger can reduce the percentage of airborne biological contaminants (e.g. molds, anthrax bacteria, tuberculosis bacteria, viruses) that is inhaled.

Ventilating patients during a pandemic
International organizations have not yet voiced recommendations or specified requirements for medical ventilators in the event of a pandemic. Rather, recommendations for treatment are based on those that generally apply to acute and sub-acute patients. Dräger offers various ventilators that can be used on influenza patients who require artificial respiration. These devices allow graduated therapy depending on the severity of the illness – from supportive, non-invasive ventilation with masks, up to invasive ventilation of intubated patients. Adults, children and neonates can be treated using Evita XL and Evita 4 edition ventilators. Both devices allow invasive and non-invasive ventilation; the Evita XL also offers a comprehensive diagnostic functionality. With the Savina, patients can be ventilated both invasively and non-invasively using ambient air. In this case, the device is not dependent on oxygen tanks or compressors. Finally, the Carina ventilator offers non-invasive mask ventilation for adults and children. Because of its light weight and integrated turbine, Carina is mobile and highly flexible.

A general approach for reducing the risk of cross infection is to use disposable consumable materials for anesthetics and ventilation. For example, various experts recommend using a new breathing system filter for each patient. Dräger offers a comprehensive portfolio of diverse disposable masks, breathing hoses and other accessories that can minimize the day-to day risk of infection in hospitals. For the proper use of all Dräger equipment, please refer to our Instructions for Use and the appropriate recommendations for hygiene.