On this page
Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Airway Pressure High alarm indicating elevated airway pressure causing ventilation interruption or risk of patient harm.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Ensure Patient Safety First
- Immediately assess the patient
- Confirm patient is stable
- Provide manual ventilation if needed
- Transfer to alternate ventilator if condition is unstable
2. Verify the Reported Alarm and Behavior
- Confirm “Airway Pressure High” alarm on screen
- Observe if it occurs during inspiration or continuously
- Note reduced volume delivery or repeated alarms
3. Check Breathing Circuit for Obstruction (Most Common Cause)
- Inspect hoses for kinks or compression
- Drain condensation from circuit
- Ensure tubing is not trapped under equipment or bed rails
4. Check Patient Interface (ET Tube or Mask)
- Inspect ET tube for kinks, biting, or occlusion
- Verify mask is not overly tight or blocked
- Suction airway if clinically indicated
5. Assess Patient Condition
- Observe for coughing, agitation, or ventilator resistance
- Check for bronchospasm or secretion buildup
- Coordinate with clinical staff for treatment or sedation
6. Review Ventilator Settings
- Check pressure limits and alarm thresholds
- Review tidal volume, inspiratory time, and flow settings
- Adjust settings with clinical staff as needed
7. Isolate Equipment vs External Cause
- Replace breathing circuit with known-good setup
- Test with a test lung if patient is removed
- Determine if issue follows circuit or ventilator
If the Problem Persists
If all external causes are ruled out and the alarm continues:
- Remove the ventilator from service
- Label as Out of Service
- Send for repair or bench evaluation
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot on an active patient. Move the patient to a backup device before evaluating the ventilator.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Ventilator alarming 'Airway Pressure High' with reduced ventilation delivery during use."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Kinked breathing circuit causing increased airway resistance and elevated pressure."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Straightened breathing circuit, cleared condensation, and verified normal operation."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Alarm behavior
- Accessories swapped
- Power behavior
- Environmental factors
- Indicator lights
- Final device status
Final Thought
High airway pressure alarms must be taken seriously. Always prioritize patient safety, rule out simple external causes first, and escalate appropriately when internal device faults are suspected.
That is successful troubleshooting.