If you have questions about using your ventilator for multiple patients, click here.

How are you working with Ford?

GE Healthcare and Ford will work together to rapidly scale the production of ventilators, arming clinicians with medical equipment important in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Ford will provide its technical and production expertise with the goal of manufacturing a simplified design of GE Healthcare’s existing ventilator.

Has GE Healthcare increased its ventilator production capacity?

Yes. Since the COVID-19 outbreak began, GE Healthcare has doubled its capacity of ventilator production and has plans to double it again by the end of June 2020. to address unprecedented demand – independent of the collaboration with Ford.

Will these new ventilators be approved by approved/cleared by the FDA? Will it follow the same 510(k) process required for existing ventilators?

We will follow FDA’s guidance and are discussing with the FDA the application of the Emergency Use Authorization for this type of emergency ventilator. We will also work with other global regulators on potential pathways to expedite availability of this product globally.

Can this ventilator be used outside the traditional ICU setting?

We are designing this ventilator to be able to be used during this pandemic in various clinical settings.

Will GE make some of these or will they all be made by Ford?

Through this collaboration, Ford will provide its technical and production expertise with the goal of manufacturing a simplified version of GE Healthcare’s ventilator. GE Healthcare will design a simplified ventilator using its health care industry knowledge which includes engineering, quality and regulatory expertise, and distribution and service capabilities.

Is this simpler ventilator used at the same point in the care continuum as the R860?

We are designing this ventilator to be able to be used during this pandemic in various clinical settings.

Have you raised the price of ventilators?

No.

During COVID-19, who is the best communication contact for your organization?

Continue to work with your account executive or local sales representatives. Should you require a conversation with leadership – our sales leaders can coordinate those discussions.

Is GE limiting access to repair guides of its ventilators?

Complimentary access to technical reference manuals and PC service applications used to install, repair and maintain its Carescape R860 and Engstrom ventilators are available for download at https://services.gehealthcare.com/gehcstorefront/. These service tools and documentation were previously issued only in conjunction with 4-day, in-person ventilator training. During the COVID-19 crisis, the training requirement is waived to help avoid any potential delay in operation. Procedures described in these resources should only be performed by trained service professionals who have knowledge and experience with ventilators and who have read and comply with the instructions therein.

Does GE use anti-repair software on its ventilators?

Passcodes to enter the service mode on GE ventilators are printed within the product technical documentation. Once logged in, GE Healthcare ventilators do not have any anti-repair software.

What training and technical support resources are available for servicing ventilators?

GE Healthcare continues to strongly recommend that only trained service personnel who have knowledge and experience with ventilators, and who have read and comply with the instructions in the service manual, should service GE Healthcare ventilators. GE Healthcare will make performance support videos accessible during this COVID-19 emergency at no cost. Technical support is available by phone here.

Who can obtain parts needed to repair these ventilators?

Customers can continue to order parts directly from GE Healthcare. Third party service providers can continue to order parts through distributors.