what is a ventilator

A ventilator is a machine that helps a person breathe or breathes for them. It is often used in intensive care units for patients who cannot breathe on their own, such as those with severe respiratory illnesses or injuries. A ventilator can partially or completely support lung functions by providing oxygen to the lungs and helping remove carbon dioxide. Modern mechanical ventilators use positive pressure to push air into the lungs, which can be invasive or noninvasive. Invasive mechanical ventilation involves a tube in the airway connected to the ventilator, which can go through the mouth or neck. While on a ventilator, healthcare providers will perform additional procedures to treat or prevent complications, such as monitoring, suctioning, providing medications, and providing nutrition. Ventilators can be lifesaving machines if a person has a condition that makes it hard for them to breathe properly or when they cant breathe on their own at all.