Setting Up A Ventilator

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1. Decide on a mode

   • Mandatory vs Spontaneous​

   • Volume control vs Pressure Control

2. Oxygenation settings

   • Set PEEP​

     • Commence at 5 mmHg​​​

   • Set FiO2

     • Commence at 100%​

     • Titrate to oxygenation

3. Ventilation settings

   • Depends on Mode​

     • Set Respiratory rate​

     • Set either tidal volume or inspiratory pressure

4. Check ventilation values

   • ​What is the peak pressure?

     • Should be less than 30mmHg

   • What is the expired tidal volume?

     • Should be 6-8 ml/kg ideal body weight

   • What is the I:E ratio?

     • Default should be 1:2​

     • In bronchospastic patients, aim for 1:3 or less

   • Does the expiratory flow curve reach baseline before the next inspiration commences?

5. Check the patient

   • Is the chest moving up and down?

   • Does the patient look comfortable?

   • What is the arterial oxygen saturation adequate?

   • What is the End-tidal CO2?

     • Normally should be 5 - 10 mmHg less than the PaCO2​

   • Is the patient haemodynamically stable

6. Check an arterial blood gas in 20 minutes