Tafonius
Auxiliary Mode Operating Manual
Printed: 28/Feb/11
Page 14 of 15
DOCA4956
Alarms
These messages are accompanied by a repeating intermittent beep of approximately 1
second duration. A flashing text message will appear on the screen in area 1, where the
Tafonius
logo normally sits. Alarms are critical events that have serious implications for
the efficient ventilation or support of the patient. Each alarm that is shown on the screen will
have an asterisk at each end of the text, e.g.:
* OXYGEN SUPPLY PRESSURE LOW *
To clear an alarm manually press and hold any of the 4 control knobs until two beeps are
heard. Here is a list of the alarms.
* LOW BREATHING SYSTEM PRESSURE *
This Alarm occurs when, at the end of an inspiratory phase during IPPV or Assist, a
maximum pressure of 2cm H2O has not been reached. This can occur when the patient
has become disconnected from the system. It can also occur when the patient takes a
breath at the same time as the ventilator delivers a breath.
The Alarm will continue until either a pressure in excess of 2cm H
2
O is registered during an
inspiratory phase OR the alarm is cleared manually.
* OXYGEN SUPPLY PRESSURE LOW *
The piped oxygen pressure, whether it is from the hospital supply Line, or from the E-
cylinders has fallen below 40 psi. This alarm can only be cleared by connecting a source of
oxygen with a pressure greater than 40psi.
* BATTERY 1 CRITICALLY LOW *
and/or
* BATTERY 2 CRITICALLY LOW *
Either one of the batteries voltage has reached the critical level. Below this level ventilator
function may be severely compromised, particularly with regard to piston movement and the
action of the Dump Valve.
The ventilator must be connected to the mains supply
immediately
.
* ENCODER BOARD HAS FAILED *
The circuit board for the front control knobs has failed to respond to the main controller. It
will not be possible to change any of the ventilation settings.
This is a critical error and the
patient should be changed to manual ventilation
.
* CHECK POSITION SENSORS *
The lower or upper position sensor has been moved or is faulty. Check the alignment marks
of the position sensors on the piston actuator. Without a lower position sensor the ventilator
cannot be initialised and will not run.
The patient should be changed to manual
ventilation
.
* RD VACUUM FAILURE *
The vacuum level in the double diaphragm has fallen below a critical level. Continued use of
the ventilator will result in severe damage to the piston assembly. The vacuum level must be
restored before ventilation is re-enabled. Check the connections of the hose at the vacuum
port on the ventilator cylinder
. Until the vacuum has been restored the patient should be
changed to manual ventilation
.
