The Elder Demand/Resuscitator Valve complies with AHA guidelines recommending that 100% oxygen be given to victims of a heart attack and/or smoke inhalation. The valve can be used in conjunction with a portable oxygen cylinder equipped with a pressure regulator or with a central oxygen source. The valve operates on a regulated oxygen supply of 40-60 psig (275 to 413 kPa) and reduces this pressure to a physiologically acceptable level with a pressure limit of 60±5 cm H2O. This prevents excessive buildup of intrapulmonary pressures and over-inflation of the lungs.

The slight negative pressure created by a spontaneously breathing patient’s inspiratory effort triggers the valve from a non-flow state to a flowing state. The greater the inspiratory effort, the higher the flow. When the inspiratory effort stops, the flow stops. The non-breathing valve permits it to be used as a resuscitator in combination with a manually operated button located on top of the valve.

The Elder Demand/Resuscitator Valve provides an accurate constant flow rate of 40 lpm to help prevent gastric inflation, as recommended by the AHA. It is also available with a minimum flow rate setting of 160 lpm.