The use of a machine (ventilator) to assist or completely replace spontaneous breathing in patients who cannot breathe adequately on their own. The ventilator delivers oxygen-enriched air into the lungs and removes carbon dioxide.
From Greek 'mechane' meaning 'device' and Latin 'ventilare' meaning 'to fan' or 'to blow.' Modern mechanical ventilation emerged in the 1950s during polio epidemics, evolving from the iron lung to today's sophisticated positive-pressure ventilators.
During the 1952 polio epidemic in Copenhagen, medical students manually squeezed breathing bags for patients 24/7 in shifts, essentially becoming human ventilators! This heroic effort saved hundreds of lives and led to the development of the first ICUs and modern mechanical ventilation.
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