Life support refers to a variety of medical procedures that aim to keep a person alive until their body can resume normal functioning. Life support replaces or supports a body function that’s failing, and it can be beneficial and support the body until its ready to get back into action. There are several types of life support, including:
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Mechanical ventilation: This is a machine that helps someone breathe by pushing air into the lungs. Its used temporarily for conditions like pneumonia, but it may be needed longer for someone with lung failure.
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Dialysis: This is a machine that filters waste and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys are not functioning properly.
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Electric shock: This is used for the failing heart.
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Tube feedings: This is used for patients who are unable to eat.
Life support can be used during a medical emergency or a long-term illness, and it can be used to sustain life while the underlying injury or illness is being treated or evaluated for prognosis. However, sometimes life support prolongs the process of dying, and it’s important to discuss options with healthcare providers and family members. The ultimate goals of life support depend on the specific patient situation, and decisions regarding life support should be based on honoring the wishes of the individual patient as communicated by the patient, if competent to do so.
