Of the 10,000 artificial respirators ordered by the State from Air Liquide Medical Systems, 8,500 would not be suitable for ventilating people admitted to the intensive care unit. According to FranceInfo, the Osiris 3 models (technical sheet) less complex and faster to manufacture than the T60 models – of which 1500 copies have also been ordered – would not be suitable for this situation.
And for good reason, these are emergency ventilators usable in ambulances for the transport of patients, “but not in the resuscitation rooms” for patients in severe respiratory distress who must support them sometimes for several weeks, according to media survey.
Physician-resuscitators have even confirmed this claim to Radio France. For Yves Rebufat, an anesthesiologist and resuscitator at the Nantes University Hospital, the use of these respirators could even be dangerous for people in acute respiratory distress. “If you use it for acute respiratory syndrome, you have a risk of killing the patient after three days. Because it is not for that,” the doctor told FranceInfo.
A purchase validated by “experts from the Ministry of Health”
Air Liquide says it is surprised by these statements. “It’s been 20 years [que l’Osiris] is used, “the company reacted to BFMTV.” It has all the characteristics to treat intubated Covid patients. This model has proven itself. What makes it strong is its versatility. It can be used in a field hospital, just like an ambulance or a standard hospital. It is easy to use and can be used by untrained doctors. “
The company also recalls that “the final choice of the Osiris was made on the recommendation of experts from the Ministry of Health and the French-speaking intensive care society [SRLF]”The company adds that the Osiris can be” adapted in intensive care using procedures that we give to caregivers “.
In a tweet, Olivier Véran, Minister of Health, reacted strongly. “At a time when there are more than 5,000 patients in intensive care, this is not the time for controversy over the alleged excess resources committed by the Government to protect the French.” He adds that “the 10,000 respirators ordered from Air Liquide can be used”
Now is the time to mobilize everyone to save lives, while more than 5,000 patients are still in intensive care. Not vain and unwelcome controversies. The 10,000 respirators ordered from Air Liquide can be used. Details ???? pic.twitter.com/dzrrYjsFK6
– Olivier Véran (@olivierveran) April 23, 2020
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The government recalls that “Air Liquide and its partners have agreed to supply these respirators at cost price, without charging the costs of R&D and development”. By the end of June, “France should have 15,000 resuscitation ventilators” in addition to 15,000 other emergency and transport respirators, “which is more than the needs expressed and anticipated.”
End of March, lhe head of state had announced the creation of a consortium to increase the production of respirators. Led by Air Liquide, this group is made up of electrical equipment specialist Schneider Electric, automotive supplier Valéo and manufacturer PSA.
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