• The Korean Journal of Health Service Management
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.189-202
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• 2017

Objectives : This study aims to present a new classification system using evaluation standards to ensure the safety of transport ventilators used in Korea. Due to the rapid advancement of technology, various types of ventilators have been developed and as the range of application increases, so does demand. With quick access to information and a growing economy, the technology used in Korean hospitals is equivalent to that of other countries; however, regulatory and safety consciousness are still lagging in Korea. Methods : Based on researching overseas cases, reference data and standards for improving the current system in Korea are proposed. Results : According to the review of transport ventilator use in Korea, it was found that concerns about safety is due to the absence of a standardized classification system for evaluating the safety and effectiveness of transport ventilators. Conclusions : In order to improve the safety of patients and the quality of medical care, it is essential to establish guidelines and assessment standards guaranteeing the safety of transport ventilators in Korea. Clear definitions and classifications for devices must precede the application of such standards. In addition, effective evaluation standards should be developed in order to resolve problems and improve upon the current system through continuous validation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.8-13
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• 2017

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been successfully used as a method for the interhospital transportation of critically ill patients. In South Korea, a well-established ECMO interhospital transport system is lacking due to limited resources. We developed a simplified ECMO transport system without mechanical ventilation for use by public emergency medical services. Methods: Eighteen patients utilized our ECMO transport system from December 2011 to September 2015. We retrospectively analyzed the indications for ECMO, the patient status during transport, and the patient outcomes. Results: All transport was conducted on the ground by ambulance. The distances covered ranged from 26 to 408 km (mean, $65.9{\pm}88.1km$) and the average transport time was $56.1{\pm}57.3minutes$ (range, 30 to 280 minutes). All patients were transported without adverse events. After transport, 4 patients (22.2%) underwent lung transplantation because of interstitial lung disease. Eight patients who had severe acute respiratory distress syndrome showed recovery of heart and lung function after ECMO therapy. A total of 13 patients (70.6%) were successfully taken off ECMO, and 11 patients (61.1%) survived. Conclusion: Our ECMO transport system without mechanical ventilation can be considered a safe and useful method for interhospital transport and could be a good alternative option for ECMO transport in Korean hospitals with limited resources.

• Hwankyungkyoyuk
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.144-155
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• 1998

This research aims to perceive the present state of science experimental education practiced in middle school and also to improve the laboratorial environment. Accordingly, this study surveyed 297 middle school science teachers in Seoul to examine the risks and accidents occurred during lab sessions, the conditions of chemical waste disposal, and whether or not teacher's manual clearly states cautions on toxic chemicals. About 70%(69.6%) of science teachers were highly concerned about risks and toxicity of chemicals used in classes, 59.9% experienced actual accidents, and 83.2% were anxiety of incidents caused by chemicals. Besides, 55.2% of science teachers answered that they have little knowledge about caring noxious chemicals used in lab sessions. So it turns out that they need more specific education on handling toxic chemicals. More than one third(36.7%) answered that they disposed of chemical waste water without any special care or kept it in the lab after experiments. The number of chemicals as well used in middle school curriculum is increasing as grades gets higher toxic chemicals. However, there are few teachers' manual covering how to handle noxious chemicals. Therefore, in middle school curriculum the number of poisonous chemicals should be minimized as much as possible, and in case the toxic chemicals have to be used, teacher's guide book should state precautions on handling chemicals in detail. Also government should make it obligatory on schools to instate ventilator for chemical waste, or to transport the waste to proper disposal systems.