Bavarian Red Cross selects Microcap portable capnographs for RTW medical vehicles

Dec 3 2009

Oridion Systems Ltd. (SIX Swiss Exchange: ORIDN) today announced that the Bavarian Red Cross has chosen Microcap(R) portable capnographs for its RTW (Rettungswagen) medical vehicles. The use of capnography can help paramedic teams to assess the ventilation status of a patient as well as alert them to issues that affect respiratory status such as displaced endotracheal tubes, episodes of respiratory depression as well as the status of resuscitative efforts. Immediate treatment of these developing conditions can improve the patient's status and limit the danger of further serious complications.

Since 2007, the DIN 1789 Norm and Rules for German Ambulance Vehicles of the type "RTW" mandated the use of capnometers when transporting emergency patients. The Bavarian Red Cross has been looking for a standalone capnograph unit to fulfill the requirements of DIN 1789, as it believed the utility vs. cost to be better than incorporating capnography into existing Defibrillators or Respirators. Furthermore a significant graph of the CO2 curve was a requirement.

The Bavarian Red Cross tested four different competitive units at four different sites and after a thorough analysis, chose the Oridion Microcap capnography monitor. Their selection of the Microcap was based on several criteria including: ease of use, reliability, portability, ruggedness and stability of the device. Microcap monitors are one of the Oridion family of portable monitors employing Microstream capnography technology to provide accurate, continuous monitoring on intubated and non-intubated patients from neonate to adult patients in hospital and pre-hospital environments, including emergency transport.

The ability to accurately monitor CO2 levels in a patient's breathing is vital for ensuring patient safety - especially in emergency transports. Studies have shown that capnography is an important tool during emergency applications. It has proven far superior in recognizing displaced endotracheal tubes when compared to traditional clinical subjective evaluations. Other studies show that etCO2 levels should be monitored during CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and should be regarded as having important prognostic value in predicting the outcome of resuscitative efforts.

Capnography is increasingly being used by paramedics worldwide to help in their assessment and real-time treatment of both intubated and non-intubated patients in the pre-hospital setting. This is one of the reasons why the London Ambulance Service and several states in the US have mandated capnography for intubated patients in Emergency Medical Services (ambulances).

Gerry Feldman, President of Oridion Capnography, commented that "I am pleased that the Bavarian Red Cross has recognized the importance of CO2 monitoring and selected the Microcap. Its superior Microstream capnography provides accurate monitoring and many other benefits, and most importantly its routine use improves patient safety."