Doctor says technique he learned in military could expand use of ventilators amid shortage

It’s a technique medical experts say they’ll have to lean on if ventilator supplies don’t increase.

“There is a desperate need for increasing the number of ventilators,” said Dr. John Fontana.

Fontana with St. Joseph Hospital in St. Charles said he’s looking to educate more medical professionals on capabilities to expanding the use of a single ventilator to benefit two patients, as opposed to one.

“You take the end of the ventilator circuit that would normally go to one patient and you’re splitting it for two patients,” said Fontana.

Fontana said he learned the method while serving in the military in Iraq.