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Ventilators

Ventilators (breathing machine or life support machine)

A mechanical ventilator

The majority of critically ill patients require at least some help with their breathing, and this is provided by a machine called a ventilator ('breathing machine' or 'life support machine').

The ventilator blows fresh air and oxygen into the patient's lungs, and then lets it out again, in exactly the same way as would occur naturally (called mechanical ventilation).

Because having a tube in the mouth (called an 'endotracheal tube') for extended periods is uncomfortable, patients who require ventilation are often given drugs to make them sleepy, called sedatives. The tube will be held in place by cotton ribbon which is tied behind the patient's neck. Patients can be ventilated for several days using a tube in the mouth, but sometimes it is preferable to use a tracheostomy.