During a crisis like this, the idea is to pool resources and create a nimble distribution network. Hospitals that don’t need their ventilators can share them, and if they need them they’ll know where to request them.
The problem is every hospital is forecasting a dire need for ventilators in the next few weeks. COVID patients can take up a vent for nearly 3 weeks. Any vent that's sent to another hospital right now will likely be gone for the entire duration of this outbreak.
Anecdotally, my wife's hospital, in a rural county with 1 case, is already at ICU capacity and pushing the limit on vents.
Agreed this seems problematic and a significant challenge. Hopefully as the shock has worn off and a clearer picture emerges in the coming months there will be greater willingness to cooperate.
I can add my own anecdotal evidence. My wife is an RN on a pulmonary floor of a hospital in a major metropolitan area. They are already at capacity and have few coronavirus cases.
Anecdotally, my wife's hospital, in a rural county with 1 case, is already at ICU capacity and pushing the limit on vents.