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What This Guide Helps With
Alarm: VOLUME NOT DELIVERED indicating target tidal volume not achieved due to high pressure limits or airway resistance.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
- Immediately assess the patient and ventilation status
- Provide alternate ventilation if needed (bag valve mask or backup ventilator)
Verify the Reported Alarm and Behavior
- Confirm the ventilator displays VOLUME NOT DELIVERED
- Observe when the alarm occurs (startup vs during breaths)
- Compare delivered tidal volume vs set tidal volume
- Check peak pressure readings approaching or hitting limits
Check Patient Condition (Most Critical First Step)
- Assess for sudden changes in lung compliance
- Check for airway obstruction (secretions, biting tube, kinked ET tube)
- Evaluate for bronchospasm or coughing
Inspect Patient Circuit for Obstructions or Restrictions
- Check for kinks or compression in tubing
- Look for water accumulation in the circuit
- Inspect filters and humidifier for blockage
Verify Circuit Connections and Integrity
- Ensure all connections are secure
- Check for partially disconnected or misaligned components
Check 2PPEAK (Peak Pressure Limit) Setting
- Compare peak pressure limit to patient needs
- Determine if the limit is set too low
Review Ventilator Settings vs Patient Demand
- Confirm tidal volume setting is appropriate
- Evaluate ventilation mode and compliance requirements
Drain Circuit and Check Filters (If Applicable)
- Remove condensation from tubing
- Replace clogged filters if necessary
Stop if Resolved
- Verify stable operation after corrections
- Return ventilator to service if normal function restored
If the Problem Persists
If the alarm continues after external causes and settings have been ruled out, this indicates a possible internal ventilator issue.
- Remove the device from service
- Label the device as Out of Service
- Send for repair or bench evaluation
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot this alarm on an active patient. Move the patient to a backup ventilator before continuing diagnostics.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Ventilator alarming VOLUME NOT DELIVERED with low tidal volume observed during use."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"High airway pressure due to kinked circuit or restrictive peak pressure setting."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Cleared obstruction and adjusted pressure limit; verified normal volume delivery."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Alarm behavior
- Accessories swapped
- Power behavior
- Environmental factors
- Indicator lights
- Final device status
Final Thought
This alarm reflects a mismatch between pressure limits and volume delivery. Always rule out patient condition and circuit issues first, then verify settings before considering device failure.
That is successful troubleshooting.