Hospital ventilators and transport ventilators are designed for critically ill patients who rely on these life support devices to assist with breathing. In Singapore, most transport ventilators incorporate the same ventilation modes found in hospital ventilators. Importantly, both types of ventilators can deliver up to 100% oxygen concentration (FiO2) to patients. 

In contrast, home ventilators are designed for use at home and do not offer all the ventilation modes available in hospital ventilators, such as the APRV mode. Additionally, most home ventilators cannot support an FiO2 of 100%. Therefore, critically ill patients who require a high concentration level of oxygen will need to be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU).

At Medivac , we are able to support both transport and home ventilators for home ventilation.

Medivac Emergency Ambulance’s, whether land or air, are equipped with state-of-the-art transport ventilators that support all ICU ventilation modes. From non-invasive options like CPAP and BiPAP to advanced invasive modes such as pressure control, volume control, synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV), and assist-control (AC) modes, our ventilators are designed for optimal patient care. They can deliver an FiO2 of up to 100%, making them ideal for critically ill and stable patients in need of transport. For those requiring an endotracheal tube or BiPAP, Medivac’s ambulance service stands out as one of the few registered with the Ministry of Health in Singapore for safely transporting patients on mechanical ventilation. Our commitment to quality care extends to pediatric transport as well, as we are licensed to provide ambulance services for critically ill children. 

In addition, our home ventilators offer an affordable solution for rental or purchase, catering to patients over 2.5 kg. They efficiently deliver both pressure and volume control modes, including CPAP, BiPAP/ST modes, SIMV, and AC modes, offering an FiO2 of up to 80% through an oxygen concentrator. 

Choose Medivac for reliable, high-quality ventilation support that puts patient safety and comfort first.

Every patient has unique ventilation needs, and there are two types of home ventilators: 

Life-sustaining ventilators and life-support ventilators. Life-sustaining ventilators are designed for patients who need ventilator support, either invasively or non-invasively, typically for a few hours a day or overnight. These patients may suffer from conditions such as Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (OHS) or chronic stable COPD, among other medical issues. 

In contrast, life-support ventilators are for patients who depend on ventilator assistance for more than 16 hours a day. These are suitable for highly ventilator-dependent patients or those experiencing advanced respiratory failure. 

At Medivac Emergency Ambulance Service, we offer rental services for the Trilogy EVO Life Support ventilators, which are suitable for patients who require continuous ventilator support. The Trilogy EVO provides various modes similar to those found in ICU hospital ventilators and can deliver an FiO2 of up to 80% using an oxygen concentrator. 

For patients needing a higher oxygen concentration, a transport ventilator or an ICU ventilator is recommended. For Medivac air ambulance services via commercial aircraft, we utilize the Hamilton T1 or Zoll Z Vent. These ventilators include many modes typically found in ICU ventilators, long battery life, and can provide oxygen concentrations of up to 100% FiO2 through a high-pressure oxygen hose. These ventilators can also be used on board both commercial and private jets.

Your doctor will determine if the patient is suitable for using a ventilator at home. Several factors are considered, including whether a family member can provide basic medical care for the patient and the associated costs. Some patients, especially those who are terminally ill, may request a compassionate discharge to return home despite the risks, as there may be no available treatments for their condition (e.g., cancer). Others may wish to avoid complications associated with long hospital stays and improve their quality of life while using a tracheostomy tube or face mask.

Traveling with a ventilator is possible by ensuring that both your ventilator and oxygen concentrator are approved by the airline. Most airlines will require you to obtain a fit-for-flight clearance before allowing the patient to board the plane. Additionally, you need to make sure that your ventilator and oxygen concentrator are equipped with batteries that can provide power for at least 150% of the flight duration. 

At Medivac Emergency Ambulance Service, we use the Hamilton T1 transport ventilator for our land and air ambulances, as well as for commercial airlines. This choice is due to its long battery life and its ability to deliver all the modes typically found in an ICU ventilator, ensuring the safety of our patients throughout their journey back home. After arrival, we can easily transition the patient to their home ventilator.

Both machines serve different purposes. 

An oxygen concentrator is designed to increase the oxygen levels for a patient, while a ventilator is used to deliver oxygen directly into the patient’s lungs. 

Patients on a ventilator often require an oxygen concentrator to help them breathe and to provide a higher concentration of oxygen.

Before deciding whether a patient can be discharged home with a ventilator, the doctor will discuss several important considerations with the family: 

1. Family Agreement: It is essential to ensure that everyone at home is agreeable to the discharge. Having supportive family members will help all involved cope with the physical and emotional stress. 
2. Availability of Care: Is there someone available around the clock to provide physical care? It’s helpful to share care duties among family members so that everyone can take turns resting while ensuring the patient continues to receive the care they need at all times. At Medivac, we also provide trained caregivers to assist in managing the patient’s care. 

Once the family agrees and confirms they can provide the necessary care, the hospital will provide basic training for the caregivers. The patient can only be discharged after the caregiver successfully completes this training, which typically takes 2 to 3 days. 

Arrangements for discharge include coordinating with other teams, such as hospice care or other specialties, to follow up with the patient at home. This also involves acquiring home ventilators, oxygen concentrators, and ambulance services to transport the patient safely home. 

At Medivac Emergency Ambulance Service, we offer a comprehensive one-stop service solution. Our team includes palliative care doctors, and we provide the rental of ventilators, hospital beds, oxygen concentrators, and ambulance arrangements, ensuring a smooth transition for the patient returning home. 

For patients who come to Singapore for medical treatment and wish to return to their home country, Medivac Emergency Ambulance Service offers air ambulance services or commercial flights with medical escorts. We prioritize the safe transport of patients back to their home countries to be with their loved ones.

There is no straightforward answer to this question, as it depends on the reason the patient is placed on a ventilator.

Most patients require ventilation because they are unable to breathe on their own or have a reduced level of consciousness. Doctors will weigh the benefits versus the risks before deciding to place a patient on a ventilator. 

Depending on the patient’s condition, they may receive non-invasive ventilation to assist with breathing while remaining conscious. Alternatively, if a patient needs significant support, they may be sedated so that the ventilator can take over their breathing entirely. 

Patients on non-invasive ventilation will be closely monitored. If their condition does not improve—such as continuing to appear breathless or having abnormal blood test results—doctors will typically discuss the possibility of sedation and transitioning the patient to mechanical ventilation, where the ventilator takes over breathing completely.

For patients who are on a mechanical ventilator using an endotracheal (ET) tube, sedation is common, which is why they may not be able to respond. The first 48 hours are critical, and the medical team usually provides regular updates to the family. 

In summary, the need for a ventilator depends on the patient’s specific condition and illness.

Before deciding whether a patient can be discharged home with a ventilator, the doctor will discuss several important considerations with the family: 

1. Family Agreement: It is essential to ensure that everyone at home is agreeable to the discharge. Having supportive family members will help all involved cope with the physical and emotional stress. 
2. Availability of Care: Is there someone available around the clock to provide physical care? It’s helpful to share care duties among family members so that everyone can take turns resting while ensuring the patient continues to receive the care they need at all times. At Medivac, we also provide trained caregivers to assist in managing the patient’s care. 

Once the family agrees and confirms they can provide the necessary care, the hospital will provide basic training for the caregivers. The patient can only be discharged after the caregiver successfully completes this training, which typically takes 2 to 3 days. 

Arrangements for discharge include coordinating with other teams, such as hospice care or other specialties, to follow up with the patient at home. This also involves acquiring home ventilators, oxygen concentrators, and ambulance services to transport the patient safely home. 

At Medivac Emergency Ambulance Service, we offer a comprehensive one-stop service solution. Our team includes palliative care doctors, and we provide the rental of ventilators, hospital beds, oxygen concentrators, and ambulance arrangements, ensuring a smooth transition for the patient returning home. 

For patients who come to Singapore for medical treatment and wish to return to their home country, Medivac Emergency Ambulance Service offers air ambulance services or commercial flights with medical escorts. We prioritize the safe transport of patients back to their home countries to be with their loved ones.

Patients on a ventilator may still have the opportunity to receive treatment in the ICU. If there are no treatment options available for the patient, such as in the case of terminal cancer, you should discuss with your doctor the possibility of a compassionate discharge. This allows the patient to pass away at home, provided they meet the necessary criteria. 

Most medical patients can request a compassionate discharge or a discharge against medical advice, but not all patients are eligible. In particular, patients who require further evaluation, such as in forensic cases, may not qualify for compassionate discharge since the body must be handed over to the authorities to determine the cause of death.

At Medivac Emergency Ambulance, we offer home life support ventilator rentals for palliative patients experiencing respiratory distress in Singapore. Our ventilators are similar to those used in ICUs and can deliver various ventilation modes, including BIPAP, SIMV, and AC modes.

Additionally, we do provide rental services of our medical devices to international customers.