Learn how serious it is to be placed on a ventilator, including survival chances, risks, and what families should expect. A ventilator is a type of breathing apparatus, a class of medical technology that provides mechanical ventilation by moving breathable air into and out of the lungs, to deliver breaths to a patient who is physically unable to breathe, or breathing insufficiently. A ventilator is a machine that helps you breathe or breathes for you.

Understanding the Context

Learn about how ventilators work, who needs a ventilator, and what to expect while on a ventilator. What is a ventilator? A ventilator is a machine that helps you breathe. Just like crutches support your weight, the ventilator partially or completely supports your lung functions.

Key Insights

A ventilator: Provides oxygen to your lungs. Helps remove carbon dioxide from your lungs. A ventilator helps to push air in and out of your lungs so your body can get the oxygen it needs. You may wear a fitted mask to help get oxygen from the ventilator into your lungs. What is a Ventilator and Why Would You Need One?

Final Thoughts

- Healthline The ventilator assists the patient by delivering a pressure that continues at a constant level until the patient's inspiratory flow falls below a preset level determined by an algorithm. A ventilator is a machine that helps a person breathe. A ventilator can be used if the person has a condition that affects normal breathing such as Covid-19 or Pneumonia.