(3) The current trend is toward the cart system where mobile units are
constantly supplied and cleaned.
(4)
No windows should be installed.
1-10. TEMPERATURE, HUMIDITY, AND AIR CIRCULATION
Ventilation should be furnished by an air-conditioning system whenever possible.
Hence, it should be relatively easy to provide a regulated temperature of 72F to 78F.
Humidity should be maintained between 55 and 60 percent to lessen the explosion
hazard when flammable anesthetic agents are administered. Air conditioning also
assists in the elimination of foreign particles by providing freshly filtered air free of dust.
Section III. FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT
1-11. INTRODUCTION
a. Discussion. The types of equipment and its arrangement will vary in
different installations according to individual needs and preferences. Adequate but not
excessive equipment should be available and arranged so that maximum efficiency is
obtained with minimum effort. Modern OR equipment with but few exceptions
is made of unpainted, durable, and easily cleaned corrosion-resistant metal
(CRM). In addition, most of the items are equipped with casters to enable them to be
moved quietly and with the least possible effort. The casters are made of conductive
material--either metal or conductive rubber--for the same reason that floors are
conductive (refer to paragraph 1-7b).
b. Illustrations. Many of the figures in this lesson show equipment used in
Army hospital ORs. Equipment for use in the field is similar to that shown,
except that bulky items for field use are characteristically constructed to permit
knockdown (refer to paragraph 1-3b). The equipment shown in this lesson is that which
is typically used during surgery. This type of equipment is considered standard items
and is listed in the Federal Supply Catalog. A cardioscope, which is not shown, is used
only for special kinds of surgery and will be purchased through normal channels. Any
item not listed in the Federal Supply Catalog is nonstandard, if needed, and must be
obtained through a local purchase request.
1-12. OPERATING TABLE
There are several types of operating tables (see figure 1-7) in use and all are
rather complicated in construction and manipulation. They are designed so that they
can be adjusted to the needs of the surgeon for any type of operation he may perform.
The table is equipped with a hydraulic system. It is mounted on casters that are locked
in place during surgery. The operating table shown in figure 1-7 is "dressed" or made
up with sheets ready to receive a patient.
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