[jjeaff]

50k staff and that can only support 125k patients?

So you are saying a person trained on the use of a ventilator can only support a little over 2 patients on a ventilator? Are they sitting between the beds and pedaling the machine?

These are $30k machines. I would think, especially in a crisis situation, a single medical professional could probably handle a few dozen people on ventilators if they had too.

[mike_d]

> So you are saying a person trained on the use of a ventilator can only support a little over 2 patients on a ventilator?

As I mentioned in the comment you replied to, the numbers are from the SCCM. You aren't going to find a more authoritative source for accurate information.

> I would think, especially in a crisis situation, a single medical professional could probably handle a few dozen people on ventilators if they had too

If you don't believe the SCCM, California law and the California Respiratory Care Board set the requirement as "a ratio of 1:4 or fewer each shift."

Short of a Cardiopulmonary Bypass Machine (basically a mechanical heart), invasive ventilation is one of the most intensive "intensive care" treatments, requiring constant monitoring and adjustment.

[jjeaff]

Im sure 1 to 4 is best case and best practice. In an emergency, I guarantee someone can and will handle more.

Additionally, the 1 to 4 ratio doesn't match with the 50k number.

[adinb]

Not if they’re intubated; they’re very time consuming for the nursing/care staff.