Artificial respiration is a set of measures to maintain and restore normal respiratory functions (in children - and cardiac activity) that are impaired or lost after suffocation or cardiac arrest, caused by a disorder in the regulation of breathing and gas exchange: pulmonary ventilation, alveolar ventilation, blood oxygenation, etc. Independently or with with the help of strangers (ventilation procedures - artificial ventilation of the lungs) occurs when there are disorders of the normal function of external respiration. It is observed in some weakened people who suffer from any disturbances in thermoregulation, primarily in children, as well as in adults who are in hypoxia. The procedure is independent in case of cessation of heart contractions, bleeding from large vessels, gangrene, extensive burns, concussion, severe bruise in the chest, lungs or heart, tumors of the upper respiratory tract, poisoning with narcotic or toxic substances.
Currently, mechanical ventilation is used not only for resuscitation, but also for the treatment of long-term mechanical ventilation (ventilator or ECMO).
The advantages of mechanical ventilation are that it allows a patient with respiratory problems to breathe normally, which usually stops a few days after the sudden stop of breathing. Mechanical ventilation can also be used by a patient with preserved breathing if reliable mechanical respiratory support is needed for a long period of time.
Disadvantages of the mechanical ventilation procedure. The need to use invasive and therefore sometimes dangerous medical technologies. The presence of side effects both for the patient and for the specialist performing the procedure. Sometimes mechanical ventilation can lead to damage to the patient’s tissues and organs. Therefore, before starting, you should always undergo the necessary examinations.