Preparing EMS Units to Triage and Care for VAD Patients

The UW Health Emergency Education Center publishes the following materials as assistance to health care professionals who are providing care for patients with ventricular assist devices (VADs).

Open the PDFs below to access the assessment algorithms for the corresponding VADs.

For Paramedics, EMTs and First Responders

• Assessment Algorithm for Mechanical Circulatory Assist Device Patients - Pulsatile Devices (pdf)
• Assessment Algorithm for Mechanical Circulatory Assist Device Patients - Non-pulsatile (pdf)

• Caring for Mechanical Circulatory Device Patients: Thoratec TLC-II (ppt)

• Caring for Mechanical Circulatory Device Patients: HeartMate II (ppt)

For Emergency Rooms

• Assessment Algorithm for Mechanical Circulatory Assist Device Patients - Pulsatile Devices (pdf)
• Assessment Algorithm for Mechanical Circulatory Assist Device Patients - Non-pulsatile (pdf)

• Caring for Mechanical Circulatory Device Patients: HeartMate II (ppt)

• Caring for Mechanical Circulatory Device Patients: Thoratec TLC-II (ppt)