McCulloch Medical Constant Delivery Calf Aspirator/Resuscitator
The McCulloch Medical Constant Delivery Calf Aspirator/Resuscitator is the brainchild of Norma McCulloch, who made the handheld device using the same technology as a human unit.
In 1991, McCullough invented, developed, and patented a type of linear displacement manual resuscitator.
The product was manufactured to the international standard for human resuscitators and Genesis Industries later acquired the line.
This paved the way for what became known as McCulloch Medical and its range of easy-to-use aspirator/resuscitator kits for:
- Calves;
- Foals;
- Kids (goats);
- Lambs;
- Pigs;
- Cria (alpacas).
Its McCulloch Medical Constant Delivery Calf Aspirator/Resuscitator, which it has developed, tested, and fine-tuned for close to two decades, is commonly used by vets and farmers across the globe, including Ireland.
The award-winning all-in-one device is suitable for newborn animals that have a heartbeat but have yet to take their first breath.
According to the creators of the McCulloch Medical Constant Delivery Calf Aspirator/Resuscitator, you can use this on new-borns that have difficulty breathing or are in respiratory arrest.
Furthermore, it said it is “ideal” for the use of animals that require resuscitation in post-trauma, drowning or smoke-inhalation status.
The kit contains a performance-tested resuscitator, an aspirator mask, a resuscitator mask, a carry case, and easy-to-follow instructions.
Easy push/pull action
According to an information sheet from McCulloch Medical, one person can operate the McCulloch Medical™ Aspirator / Resuscitator using an easy push/pull action.
A spokesperson explained that “valves at each end do all the work”. “On the wide end, there are two one-way induction valves for aspiration. On the narrow end, there is one two-way valve for resuscitation.”
In essence, the device enables you to gently remove mucus and blockages and accurately deliver the volume of air calves requires to inflate their lungs.
Aspiration: How does it work?
- Firstly, you attach the aspirator mask on the wide end and place it over the muzzle;
- One-way induction valves draw air into the unit on the out-stroke;
- You create a vacuum when you pump the unit to remove mucus or fluids that may be blocking the airway;
- Furthermore, tilt the calf’s head back to open airway;
- According to the company, four or five pumps will draw the mucus or fluids into the aspirator mask;
- Lastly, remove the aspirator mask from the pump and follow resuscitation instructions, which the company has supplied with the product.
Resuscitation
- Firstly, attach the resuscitator mask to the small end of the unit and place over the muzzle;
- The one-way valve will induct air into the unit on the out-stroke and drive it down through the two-way valve into the lungs on the in-stroke;
- The two-way valve then opens and allows oxygen-depleted air to escape to the side. The firm stressed that it should not be reintroduced to the calf.
- Pump the resuscitator every 5 to 10 seconds to allow full exhalation;
- According to the company, breathing should be stimulated with as few as 5 to 10 pumps. Check for breathing every few pumps;
- If the calf is not breathing after 4 to 5 pumps, the company advises you to turn it over and repeat. “This will allow the lung previously closer to the ground and weighed-down by internal organs to inflate more easily,” the spokesperson explained.
- They advise you to continue while a heartbeat remains.
The product generally costs in the region of €200, but prices vary among outlets.
Other articles on That’s Farming:
