Background
The U.S. Army Anesthesia Apparatus is a device that generates a gas mixture for with the purpose of inducing anesthesia. These machines and practice on the battle field have been of use by the United States Army since World War 2. Anesthesiology has become a popular study for possible Army careers, with the technology ranging and evolving as time goes on.
The U.S. Army Anesthesia Apparatus is both electric and portable. Soldiers will use an United States Army Anesthesia Apparatus in front line aid and in full service field hospitals.
Three major features aspects of this medical device are the apparatus or machine itself, the gas supply and hoses needed to produce the anesthesia, in addition to a regulator valve. This valve helps release the needed amount gas and restrain it, based on the amount of pressure present.
The average price of everyday Anesthesia Machines is around $4000.
The supplies needed to clean this apparatus are warm water, a soft cloth, as well as both a stiff and soft bristle brush. Lastly, a mild alkali detergent as it more effectively decontaminates surfaces.
Identification
The design of the U.S. Army Anesthesia Apparatus is divided into two main aspects, those being the machine itself and its base, which can also be used as a carrying case. This case helps for easer mobilization and overall configuration when on the battle field. The base, or case, for this machine is a green military box. When looking at the device and equipment, there are two gas cylinders present with supply hoses connected to their top which lead to the vaporizer. The model number for this equipment is located on the back of the device. To positively identify the device, you can look for the Green Army Box serving as the base in addition to the supply hoses and the two cylinders, being oxygen and nitrous oxide. When looking at various U.S. Army Anesthesia Machines, they all come in a silver color.
TM 8-6515-001-24&P
Technical Specifications
- Carrying Container:
13 in. wide x 20 in. long x 18 in. high
- Masks and Head Strap:
Covers both the nose and face of the patient and keep them in place and still.
- Flow Control Valves:
Control the individual flow from each gas cylinder
- Hex Wrench:
Small handheld tool used for turning bolts and screws. 3/16 in.
- Breathing Tubes:
Carry various gases to and from patients.
- Breathing Bags:
Hand-held device commonly used to provide positive pressure ventilation to patients who are not breathing at all or correctly. Vary in size depending on the patient, ranging from 0.5 L to 6 L.
- Flow Calculator:
Controls the rate and type of airflow that will then flow through. Desired flow rate is 5 L/min.
- Vaporizer:
Provide accurate amounts of anesthetic gas while mitigating the effect of temperature and pressure on the evaporation process. Holds 85 mL of liquid anesthetic.
- Gas Cylinder:
Used for storage and containment of gases at high pressures. Height of 24.9 in. with a diameter of the base being 4.38 in.
- Cylinder Adapters:
One oxygen and one nitrous oxide cylinder adaptor stored in the bottom case. Help prevent accidental exchange of gases.
- Cylinder Regulators:
Four regulators present: two for oxygen and two for nitrous oxide. They are stored in the upper case and help prevent the interchange of the cylinders and their adaptors. For use, keep pressure for Cylinders at 40 pounds per square inch gauge, PSIG.
- Gas Supply Hose:
2x 100in and 2x 40 in. Four rubber hoses found in upper case. Supply hose for both oxygen and nitrous oxide.
- Oxygen Control Valve:
This valve delivers oxygen to a given patient at an extremely high pressure. Flow rate should be around 40 liters of oxygen delivered per minute, LPM.
- Pressure Sensor Valve
Diaphragm operated, a closed valve in delivery circuit. Valve opens and closes based on cylinder pressure and releases gases. Pressure Valve should remain between 60-70 mm Hg.