Demand valves are an excellent option for pain relief during emergency scenarios. Their ability to provide controlled and instant pain relief earned them a spot in the first aid kit of emergency responders.

In this short read, we will discuss the importance of demand valves in emergency pain relief and showcase the use case of GCE's demand valve in action during a football game.

How Does a Demand Valve Work?

A demand valve delivers gas only when the patient inhales, hence the term 'demand'. Its working mechanism is based on the pressure created by the user's breathing process.

When the patient inhales, the negative pressure causes the diaphragm inside the valve to move, overcoming the resistance of the spring mechanism. As the diaphragm moves, it opens the valve, allowing the gas to flow from the source to the mask or mouthpiece.

The flow rate is controlled by the user's inhalation effort. During the exhalation phase, the pressure within the mask or cannula becomes positive. This causes the diaphragm to return to its resting position, closing the internal valve and stopping the gas flow.

The gas exits through the exhalation port, ensuring that the patient does not rebreathe the exhaled air.

Benefits of A Demand Valve

Controlled Delivery

Unlike the continuous flow breathing apparatus, the manually triggered mechanism of demand valves gives complete control to the patients. It delivers medical gas only when needed, making it more efficient.

Rapid Pain Relief

Demand valves provide instant relief as soon as the patient inhales the medical gas, compared to conventional breathing masks. This rapid response is crucial in emergency situations where time is of the utmost importance.

Portable and Convenient

Typically, oxygen demand valves are compact and easy to use, making them perfect for ambulance use, sports first aid, and other emergencies.

No Gas Wastage

With the internal valve closing during the exhalation phase, there is no wastage of anaesthetic medical gas. This not only conserves resources but also reduces the risk of unnecessary exposure to medical gases.

Note: Although demand valves are patient-triggered, they must be used under the supervision of a medical professional or expert. Proper training and guidance ensure that the devices are used safely and effectively, maximising their benefits in emergencies.

GCE Ease II Demand Valve in Action

During a Premier League match between Burnley and Arsenal, Burnley star Aaron Ramsey suffered a severe injury that required prolonged treatment on the field. He experienced significant pain due to a serious foot injury.

The medical team rushed to his aid and provided him with pain relief therapy using the GCE EASE II demand valve. This portable device allowed Ramsey to control how much pain medication he needed himself. The hose connected to the device was colour-coded blue and white, indicating the coding for oxygen and nitrous oxide.

The use of the demand valve enabled immediate and effective pain relief, allowing the player to remain calm while the medical team stretchered him out of the field.

Broader Applications of Demand Valves

Pre-Hospital

Demand valves are commonly used in pre-hospital care. Portable and simple to use, they are perfect for providing pain relief and oxygen therapy during transport.

Oxygen Therapy

High-flow Demand Valve Oxygen Therapy (DVOT) is an effective treatment for patients with cluster headaches, as it provides instant relief. It is also a recommended first aid for various diving disorders.

Disaster Response

Some demand valves are designed to function perfectly in confined and toxic environments, making them ideal for firefighters and rescue teams.

Selecting the right demand valve is crucial for safe and efficient oxygen therapy. From simple medical applications to complex environments requiring advanced safety features, the variety of demand valves available can meet diverse needs.

GCE Medical, a leading medical gas control equipment manufacturer, offers the best-in-class Ease II demand valve. This device is preferred by professionals worldwide for its superior performance, low inspiration effort, and ergonomic design.

By choosing GCE's technology, medical professionals can ensure they are equipped with top-notch tools to deliver optimal care.