The Basics of Mechanical Ventilation

Course overview

Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving treatment used to support patients unable to ventilate and oxygenate on their own. Mechanically ventilated patients often receive sedation and pain control medication, requiring a qualified interdisciplinary team to administer and evaluate outcomes. The skills required by health teams to manage a ventilation unit are typically standardized to ensure the safe handling of ventilation equipment and for proper management of patients during their course of care. Basic therapeutic modalities of mechanical ventilation and pharmacology needed to support treatment and patient comfort are discussed.