For infants who require assistance in ventilation, what device is most commonly used during transport?

The most commonly used device for infants requiring assistance in ventilation during transport is a mechanical ventilator. This device provides a controlled delivery of breaths to the infant, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation throughout the transport process.

Mechanical ventilators are particularly advantageous in emergency transport situations because they allow clinicians to set precise parameters for ventilation, including tidal volume, respiratory rate, and pressure settings. This level of control is crucial for managing infants with respiratory distress or other critical conditions, as it can help prevent hypoxia and hypercapnia.

Other devices, while useful in specific scenarios, typically do not offer the same degree of control or versatility during transport. Manual resuscitators, for example, require constant attention and can be more labor-intensive, making them less ideal for longer transport times. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation and continuous positive airway pressure devices may also be used but are generally aimed at specific respiratory conditions rather than providing the comprehensive support that may be needed in critically ill infants. Therefore, the mechanical ventilator stands out as the preferred choice in this context.