EQUIPMENT GUIDE

Anesthesia machines are relatively simple devices, but due to their size, they typically need to be deployed via shipping container. Our top picks are the Drager Fabius/Apollo and the GE Aestiva. These two brands are the most commonly used anesthesia machines in the United States, making them relatively easy to source, service, and find parts for. Since these machines are unlikely to return to the U.S., we highly recommend a thorough inspection before they leave in a shipping container. It’s also crucial to know which gas reagents are available in your country (like sevoflurane, isoflurane, desflurane) to equip them with the appropriate vaporizers.

 

We're currently developing a portable anesthesia system, which we hope will become the best device for medical missions, addressing both cost and transportation issues.

Our second recommendation is the Drager Narko. Built like a tank, this significantly dated machine still functions reliably today and, when certified, often has fewer problems than modern machines. If you can get an older unit re-certified and shipped in a container, it may be well worth the cost.

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Certain pieces of equipment like anesthesia machines will require service and repair which is why picking mainstream equipment, rather than off-brand equipment, tend to lead to more sustainable and reliable operation over time.

For portable anesthesia machines, the Avante Integra SP and Fabius Tiro M are the primary options in the retail market. Both are well-made and perform excellently in fieldwork. However, they are prohibitively expensive, which is why they are last on our list. Most hospitals would likely prefer to allocate their budgets to more critical medical supplies and equipment. Our organization often exchanges one of these portable units for up to five standard anesthesia machines.

 

We aim to provide a cost-effective, portable, and powerful anesthesia solution for mission hospitals in the near future. By selecting the right equipment and ensuring proper maintenance, mission hospitals can achieve reliable and efficient anesthesia care, optimizing outcomes for patients in resource-limited settings.