How Ventilators Work
A ventilator is a machine that helps people breathe when they can't breathe on their own. Ventilators do not cure COVID-19 or any other illness, instead they are meant to help you
survive until you can get better and your lungs can work on their own.
2
1
Inhalation: Pump pushes air into patient
Exhalation: Patient breathes out
Pump
Pump
Valve
opens
Air and oxygen
Valve
closes
Valve closes
Used air
Valve
opens
Ventilator
Ventilator
SOURCE: Getty Images
DOMINIQUE DeMOE / Staff Artist
How Ventilators Work
A ventilator is a machine that helps people breathe when they can't breathe on their own. Ventilators do not cure COVID-19 or any other illness, instead they are meant to help you
survive until you can get better and your lungs can work on their own.
Patient
Connected with
masks and hoses
Ventilator
Pushes oxygen into the lungs through the hose
1
Inhalation: Pump pushes air into patient
Pump
Valve
opens
Valve closes
Ventilator
2
Exhalation: Patient breathes out
Pump
Air and oxygen
Valve
closes
Used air
Valve
opens
Ventilator
SOURCE: Getty Images
DOMINIQUE DeMOE / Staff Artist
