Heavy Lies the Helmet Episode 135 - Giving Patients Room to Breathe w/Melody Bishop (Part 2)
Dec 17, 2025
Melody Bishop, an expert in mechanical ventilation and transport ventilator physiology, brings clear, practical thinking to ventilator care. She explains key Hamilton T1 quirks like the proximal flow sensor, floating exhalation valve, pressure-driven modes, and which monitoring pages matter. Short, actionable guidance on simulation practice, prioritizing chest movement, and tailoring ventilation to each patient.
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Floating Valve Means No True Holds
- The T1 uses a floating exhalation valve that prevents true inspiratory or expiratory holds.
- As a result, plateau, driving, resistance and auto-PEEP readings are calculated, not directly measured.
Only Equate Peak And Plateau At Zero Flow
- Only consider peak ≈ plateau when inspiratory flow truly reaches zero at end-inspiration.
- Verify zero flow visually; otherwise don't assume peak equals plateau.
Treat The T1 As A Pressure Ventilator
- Remember the Hamilton T1 is pressure-driven and only offers pressure-based modes.
- When you set a tidal volume you are using a volume-targeted pressure mode that adjusts pressure breath-to-breath.