Hamilton C6 Ventilator

Asset Type

Ventilator

Manufacturer

Hamilton

Model

C6

What This Guide Helps With

This guide addresses situations where the Hamilton C6 ventilator is used in transport mode or outside the ICU/OR setting and:

• Fails to operate as a transport ventilator
• Shows alarms or warnings during patient transport
• Cannot maintain set ventilation parameters when disconnected from standard wall power or gas sources

Focus is on external, logical checks first—power, connections, setup, and patient safety—before assuming internal failure.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Check Power Source

• Verify the internal battery is charged.
• Confirm AC power connection if in stationary use.
• Reason: Transport mode relies on battery; insufficient power prevents operation.

Confirm Battery Status

• Look for battery indicator on screen.
• If battery low (<20%), replace or fully charge.
• Reason: Low battery may prevent ventilator from initiating transport mode.

Inspect Gas Supply Connections

• Ensure oxygen and air cylinders are properly connected and valves open.
• Verify hoses are not kinked or leaking.
• Reason: Transport mode may rely on cylinders rather than wall supply.

Verify Ventilator Mode and Settings

• Confirm ventilator is in the correct transport mode.
• Ensure settings match patient requirements (tidal volume, PEEP, FiO₂).
• Reason: Misconfigured modes can trigger alarms or fail to deliver breaths.

Check Circuit and Patient Connection

• Inspect breathing circuit, filters, and endotracheal tube connection.
• Make sure no obstructions exist.
• Reason: Even during transport, ventilator cannot operate with disconnected or blocked circuits.

Run System Self-Test (if safe)

• Perform a pre-use check following on-screen prompts.
• Reason: Confirms basic system function and identifies any internal errors without disassembly.

Observe Alarm Messages

• Note any error codes or messages.
• Reason: These guide further action; some may indicate battery, gas, or circuit issues.

If the Problem Persists

All external checks have been ruled out. Device should be:

• Removed from service
• Labeled Out of Service
• Sent for repair or bench evaluation

Reason: Attempting internal repair in the field can compromise patient safety.

Clinical Use Tip

• Do not troubleshoot on an actively ventilated patient.
• If patient transport is necessary, move to another ventilator first.
• Ensure oxygen cylinders are full before initiating transport.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
“Ventilator would not operate during patient transport; alarms displayed “Battery Low” and “No Volume Delivered.””

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
“Battery fully discharged; transport mode could not initiate.”

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
“Battery replaced and fully charged; pre-use check passed; device confirmed functional in transport mode.”

Helpful Details to Include

• Battery charge level
• AC vs. battery operation
• Cylinder pressure readings
• Circuit status
• Any alarm codes observed

Final Thought

Transport ventilation adds complexity to standard ICU ventilator operation. Always start with battery, gas supply, and mode verification before considering internal faults. Proper documentation ensures repeatable troubleshooting and patient safety.

That is successful troubleshooting.