What immediate action should be taken if a home ventilator is malfunctioning for a child in respiratory distress?

If a home ventilator is malfunctioning for a child experiencing respiratory distress, the immediate action should be to disconnect the ventilator and use a bag-mask device. This approach ensures that the child continues to receive adequate ventilation, which is critical in a respiratory emergency.

When a ventilator stops functioning properly, the patient may not be receiving the oxygen and support they require, putting them at risk for severe respiratory compromise. Using a bag-mask device allows for manual ventilation, providing the necessary airflow and ensuring that the child's oxygen needs are met until further help can be obtained.

While calling for help is essential in an emergency, it does not address the immediate needs of the child. Changing the ventilator settings without understanding the cause of malfunction could exacerbate the situation, and relying solely on supplemental oxygen without effective ventilation may not be sufficient to support the child's respiratory function. Using a bag-mask device provides both ventilation and oxygenation in a crisis when the standard ventilatory support is compromised.