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ICU · Life Support

Mechanical Ventilator

Supports or replaces spontaneous breathing.

Skantra Resource

AI overview

Mechanical ventilators deliver controlled breaths with adjustable volume, pressure, rate and FiO₂ to patients in respiratory failure or under anesthesia.

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Common uses

  • Acute respiratory failure (ARDS, pneumonia)
  • Perioperative airway management
  • Neurologic injury with airway compromise

Safety notes

  • Always have BVM at bedside
  • Follow VAP bundle: HOB 30°, oral care, sedation holiday, DVT/PUD prophylaxis

Setup instructions

  1. 1
    Run full circuit self-test prior to patient connection
  2. 2
    Attach humidifier or HME, inline suction and capnography
  3. 3
    Set initial mode (e.g. AC/VC), Vt 6 mL/kg IBW, RR, PEEP, FiO₂
  4. 4
    Confirm settings and alarms with RT before connecting

Troubleshooting

  • High pressure alarm

    Check for biting, secretions, kinked tubing, pneumothorax.

  • Low pressure / disconnect alarm

    Inspect circuit and ET tube cuff integrity.

  • Auto-PEEP / breath stacking

    Lengthen expiratory time; reduce RR; treat bronchospasm.

Training video

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