A ventilation system comprising: a mechanical ventilator including a means for providing a mechanical ventilation function based on a plurality of volumetric and pressure-related parameters, the mechanical ventilator being adapted to detect a signal representative of at least one of the plurality of volumetric and pressure-related parameters; a processor in operative communication with the mechanical ventilator for receiving the detected signal, the processor being adapted to adjust one or more of the plurality of volumetric and pressure-related parameters of the mechanical ventilator and determine a tidal volume based upon the detected signal received from the mechanical ventilator; and a user interface in operative communication with the processor for allowing adjustment of the one or more of the plurality of volumetric and pressure-related parameters, wherein the processor automatically adjusts at least another one or more of the plurality of volumetric and pressure-related parameters based on the detected signal, characterised in that under a quick start mode an individual with no respiratory care experience can operate the mechanical ventilator and initiate mechanical ventilation to the patient through a single step operation that allows the mechanical ventilator to operate on automatic pilot using preset values for one or more of the plurality of volumetric and pressure-related parameters, and wherein the processor is operable to initiate the quick start mode, wherein under the quick start mode the mechanical ventilator will continuously adjust a flow rate where the lung compliance of the patient changes over time according to the detected tidal volume. a mechanical ventilator including a means for providing a mechanical ventilation function based on a plurality of volumetric and pressure-related parameters, the mechanical ventilator being adapted to detect a signal representative of at least one of the plurality of volumetric and pressure-related parameters; a processor in operative communication with the mechanical ventilator for receiving the detected signal, the processor being adapted to adjust one or more of the plurality of volumetric and pressure-related parameters of the mechanical ventilator and determine a tidal volume based upon the detected signal received from the mechanical ventilator; and a user interface in operative communication with the processor for allowing adjustment of the one or more of the plurality of volumetric and pressure-related parameters, wherein the processor automatically adjusts at least another one or more of the plurality of volumetric and pressure-related parameters based on the detected signal, characterised in that under a quick start mode an individual with no respiratory care experience can operate the mechanical ventilator and initiate mechanical ventilation to the patient through a single step operation that allows the mechanical ventilator to operate on automatic pilot using preset values for one or more of the plurality of volumetric and pressure-related parameters, and wherein the processor is operable to initiate the quick start mode, wherein under the quick start mode the mechanical ventilator will continuously adjust a flow rate where the lung compliance of the patient changes over time according to the detected tidal volume.