Drager Fabius GS

Asset Type

Anesthesia Machine

Manufacturer

Drager

Model

Fabius GS

What This Guide Helps With

NO FRESH GAS !!! alarm indicating insufficient fresh gas flow, preventing delivery of oxygen and anesthetic gases and risking loss of effective ventilation support.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Ensure Patient Safety First

• Confirm the patient is being ventilated adequately
• Switch to manual ventilation or alternate anesthesia machine if needed
• Do not continue troubleshooting if ventilation is compromised

Verify the Reported Alarm and Behavior

• Confirm the NO FRESH GAS !!! alarm is displayed
• Observe when the alarm occurs (startup vs during case)
• Check flowmeter readings for zero or no movement
• Look for absence of gas flow through the breathing circuit

Check Medical Gas Supply Sources

• Verify O₂, air, and N₂O pipeline connections are secure
• Check wall outlet pressure is within normal range
• Ensure backup cylinders are open and not empty

Check Flow Control Valve Settings

• Ensure flow control knobs are turned on and set above zero
• Confirm at least minimum O₂ flow is present
• Verify correct gas selection is in use

Inspect Fresh Gas Delivery Path

• Check for kinked or blocked hoses
• Inspect for loose or disconnected fittings
• Look for visible damage to gas delivery tubing

Observe Underpressure Safety Valve Behavior

• Listen for abnormal air entrainment
• Observe changes in circuit behavior indicating compensation
• Confirm safety valve activation only when gas flow is inadequate

Check for Internal Delivery Valve Issues

• If supply and settings are correct but no flow is present, suspect internal failure
• Do not attempt internal repair
• Document findings for escalation

If the Problem Persists

If all external causes have been ruled out and the alarm remains, remove the device from service, label it Out of Service, and send it for repair or further bench evaluation.

Clinical Use Tip

Never troubleshoot fresh gas supply issues on an active patient. Always move the patient to a backup ventilation source first.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
"NO FRESH GAS !!! alarm present. No fresh gas flow observed during setup."

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
"Fresh gas supply valve found closed (or gas supply verified good with suspected internal delivery failure)."

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
"Opened flow control valve and restored gas flow (or removed from service and sent for repair after verifying supply and connections)."

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

• Alarm behavior
• Accessories swapped
• Power behavior
• Environmental factors
• Indicator lights
• Final device status

Final Thought

Fresh gas delivery is fundamental to anesthesia safety. Always verify supply and settings first, and escalate quickly when flow cannot be restored.

That is successful troubleshooting.