Speaking valves and life in general

Karen & Dale Jones-Waddell (dalejw(AT)sprynet.com)
Sat, 26 Apr 1997 17:40:16 -0600

Hi. I am an occupational therapist who works in the acute care setting. I
am not a vent user myself. I have worked with a couple of pt's with hi
spinal cord injuries who required the use of a vent. Recently I heard, that
it's better not to use a speaking valve, as they are the source of other
problems, and it is better if one can completely deflate the cuff and speak
that way. Do you agree? and how well can you speak with a deflated cuff?

I recently got into a heated discussion with the rest of the rehab staff I
work with (PTs, PTAs, COTAs) about...I don't know what to term it. A
student noted that she didn't understand why people who were in accidents
with severe injuries were saved when they would be unable to move. She
noted that she would rather die, and everyone else agreed, except me. I
noted that a person with a hi injury does not have brain damage and can
still think and be with family. I was surprised with the animosity that my
opinion received from my fellow colleagues. One of them told me it would
be easier for family if the injured were dead, because then there would be
"closure."

Perhaps what non vent users think is irrelevant, but I am wondering how any
of you would respond to such notions.

Thanks
Karen JW
dalejw(AT)sprynet.com