Ventilator is one of the common equipment found in the ICU. A ventilator setup can be adjusted to different settings based on the needs of a patient. It can be used to support the breathing of a patient who can breathe on their own or can be set-up in a way that it helps provide each breath. It can be of non-invasive type or invasive type. During non-invasive ventilation, a tight mask is placed covering the mouth and nose, it is only used for patients who are conscious.
People in emergency medicine and critical care should have a better grasp on the concept of mechanical ventilation. As, improper or careless handling of a ventilator can cause serious damage and can sometimes cause the patient’s life. Mechanical ventilators are mainly used in hospitals and ambulances, in some cases they can be used at home. Mainly used to aid the patient to breath properly, prolonged usage of a ventilator can cause other problems.
Types of ventilators
Invasive ventilator
In an invasive type of ventilator, a tube is placed in the patient's mouth or through a hole made in the neck. Invasive ventilators are also called mechanical ventilators and they control the patient's breathing completely.
Noninvasive ventilator
In a non-invasive ventilator type, the patient’s mouth and nose are covered using a mask, through which air is blown through the lungs. Depending on the patient’s breathing condition the respiratory therapist will determine the type of ventilator to be used
How to choose the best ventilator mode
