How does a ventilator work?

A provider may place a patient on a ventilator for various reasons. It could be for something as simple as elective surgery or as complex as a life-threatening illness or trauma. No matter the reason, it is a crucial piece of medical technology that helps patients breathe by moving oxygen into and out of the lungs. Nicole Hartman, a respiratory therapist at Parkview Regional Medical Center, walks us through the intricacies of this vital machine while explaining the intubation process for patients struggling to breathe on their own.