It alerts paramedics and doctors that if she is under medical care for a life-threatening condition and her heart has stopped, they are not to use artificial means to keep her alive. When accident or disease means a person's lungs are unable to supply needed oxygen, machines called ventilators or respirators can help. A tube is inserted through the nose or mouth and down the windpipe. An opening can also be surgically created at the base of the neck so the tube can be placed directly into the windpipe. Oxygen is then forced down the tube and into the lungs.
Ventilators provide short-term support for patients during surgery, severe pneumonia or accidents.
Patients battling emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke and other disorders face prolonged or life-long mechanical support. A ventilator leaves patients at increased risk for pneumonia. It also makes talking or swallowing difficult or impossible. Doctors said the psychological impact of being linked to a machine and being unable to speak can be a tremendous blow to patients and families. Without adequate oxygen, a patient will die.