Ventilators

Mechanical Ventilation

A ventilator is a machine that attaches to the tracheostomy tube and helps the child breathe. The ventilator can be set to do all or part of the work of breathing for the child.

With the advances in medical technology over the years, many ventilator dependent children, who would otherwise have to stay in a hospital, can now live at home with their families. In fact for some children, mechanical ventilation is the only reason for the tracheostomy tube.

Parents of children who are ventilator dependent require additional training and support. Also, children on ventilators will usually qualify for more home nursing hours than a child with a tracheostomy who is not ventilator dependent.

Ventilators are becoming more and more portable and run on A/C power as well as batteries.