Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

March 24, 2020

The Toughest Triage—Allocating Ventilators in a Pandemic

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  • Truog et al cite estimates that 2.4 million to 21 million Americans will require hospitalization due to COVID-19 and about 10-25% of the hospitalized patients may need ventilators (based on Italy’s experience). 
  • The article suggests that states should develop strategies for rationing medical supplies, including ventilators, and recommends convening a committee to develop triage criteria. 

Truog et al. (Mar 23, 2020). The Toughest Triage—Allocating Ventilators in a Pandemic. JAMA. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2005689