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Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Severe occlusion alarm indicating blocked airway or circuit causing little to no airflow to or from the patient.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
- Immediately assess the patient
- Remove from ventilator support if necessary
- Provide manual ventilation using a bag-valve mask or backup ventilator
Verify the Reported Alarm and Behavior
- Confirm the ventilator is displaying a severe occlusion alarm
- Observe for very high airway pressures
- Check for minimal or no delivered tidal volume
- Determine if alarm occurs during inspiration
Check Patient Airway (Most Critical Step)
- Assess for kinked or blocked endotracheal tube
- Check for mucus plugs or secretions
- Evaluate for biting or patient-induced obstruction
Check Breathing Circuit for Obstruction
- Inspect tubing for kinks or compression
- Check for fluid or condensation buildup
- Inspect filters for blockage
- Ensure no restrictions in tubing path
Check Expiratory Valve and Components
- Remove and inspect expiratory valve
- Check for contamination or sticking
- Ensure proper seating and reinstallation
Isolate Circuit vs Device Issue
- Replace breathing circuit with a known-good circuit
- Test ventilator without a patient if safe
- Observe if alarm clears with new components
Stop When Resolved
- Confirm normal airway pressures and tidal volumes
- Clear alarms
- Return device to service if functioning properly
If the Problem Persists
If airway and circuit are confirmed clear and the alarm continues:
- External causes have been ruled out
- Remove the device from service
- Label the device Out of Service
- Send for repair or bench evaluation
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot an occlusion alarm on an active patient. Always move the patient to a backup ventilation source before investigating the device.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Ventilator alarming 'Severe occlusion,' no tidal volume delivered during use"
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Kinked breathing circuit causing airflow obstruction (or) no external issue found, suspected internal valve or sensor failure"
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Cleared obstruction and restored ventilation (or) removed ventilator from service and sent for repair"
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Alarm behavior
- Accessories swapped
- Power behavior
- Environmental factors
- Indicator lights
- Final device status
Final Thought
Severe occlusion alarms indicate a high-risk condition where airflow is significantly restricted or completely blocked. Always prioritize patient safety, systematically check external components, and escalate quickly when the issue is not resolved.
That is successful troubleshooting.