SAVe II+™ Ventilator Kit w/ EMMA® Capnograph Helicopter Starter Set

What is included in the SAVe II+ Helicopter Starter Set with EMMA Capnograph?

The SAVe II+™ Ventilator Kit with EMMA® Capnograph Helicopter Starter Set (SKU 70110H-CH) combines the AutoMedX SAVe II+ portable mechanical ventilator with the Masimo EMMA® mainstream capnograph in a single aeromedical-ready package. The SAVe II+ delivers automated, volume-targeted mechanical ventilation (200–800 mL tidal volume, 8–30 BPM, 0–20 cmH₂O PEEP, 21–100% FiO₂). The EMMA® capnograph provides continuous quantitative end-tidal CO₂ monitoring (0–99 mmHg) with waveform display. The bundle is designed for helicopter EMS programs and critical care transport teams that require both capabilities in a single, coordinated package.

Why is capnography important when using a portable mechanical ventilator during transport?

Continuous EtCO₂ monitoring (capnography) serves three critical functions in transport ventilation: (1) it confirms correct endotracheal tube placement with immediate waveform detection — tube displacement causes immediate EtCO₂ waveform loss, providing a faster alert than SpO₂ desaturation; (2) it enables real-time ventilation titration to maintain target EtCO₂ (typically 35–45 mmHg), preventing inadvertent hyperventilation that causes secondary brain injury in TBI patients; and (3) it detects circuit disconnection or obstruction before physiologic compromise occurs. The EMMA® capnograph's accuracy of ±2 mmHg at 0–40 mmHg meets critical care transport standards.

What is the EMMA capnograph's battery life and accuracy?

The Masimo EMMA® capnograph operates on two AAA batteries: approximately 6 hours with alkaline batteries and 10 hours with lithium batteries. For extended transport missions, lithium batteries are recommended to match the SAVe II+'s 8.25–9.25 hour battery life. CO₂ accuracy is ±2 mmHg in the 0–40 mmHg range and ±6% of reading in the 41–99 mmHg range, with respiratory rate accuracy of ±1 BPM from 3 to 150 BPM. These specifications meet clinical standards for continuous EtCO₂ monitoring in emergency transport settings.

How does the SAVe II+ handle altitude physiology changes during helicopter transport?

The SAVe II+ provides adjustable PEEP from 0–20 cmH₂O, which is critical during helicopter transport. At altitude, reduced atmospheric pressure can worsen alveolar collapse (atelectasis) in patients with respiratory compromise or pulmonary injury. PEEP maintains alveolar recruitment by preventing alveoli from fully collapsing at end-expiration — improving oxygenation efficiency at altitudes where FiO₂ from supplemental O₂ alone may be insufficient. The SAVe II+ also accepts up to 12 LPM of supplemental O₂, enabling FiO₂ delivery from 21% to 100% regardless of altitude.

What is the difference between the SAVe II+ standalone unit (70110H) and the helicopter starter set (70110H-CH)?

The SAVe II+ standalone ventilator (SKU 70110H) is the base mechanical ventilator unit in its protective carrying case, intended for general prehospital, field hospital, and EMS use. The Helicopter Starter Set (SKU 70110H-CH) is specifically configured for aeromedical and HEMS programs, adding the Masimo EMMA® capnograph with waveform display for continuous EtCO₂ monitoring — an essential capability for intubated patient transport in noise-saturated environments where clinical assessment of ventilation adequacy is impractical. The helicopter set provides the complete respiratory monitoring and ventilation bundle required for most HEMS medical directors' minimum-equipment standards.