General Ventilator Set-up

Learning Objectives
Identify required ventilator components, accessories, and connections necessary to safely prepare a mechanical ventilator for patient use following intubation
Explain the functional purpose of ventilator circuit components, humidification systems, monitoring devices, and alarm settings used during mechanical ventilation
Apply correct ventilator setup procedures, including system checks and initial parameter selection, after endotracheal intubation in a clinical or simulated environment
Analyze ventilator waveforms, alarm conditions, and end‑tidal CO₂ monitoring to detect airway compromise, circuit leaks, or changes in patient status
Evaluate ventilator settings and alarm configurations to ensure safe, effective ventilation and timely response to airway or respiratory deterioration
Author(s)
Nancy (Craig) McGowan, PhD, RN
Registered Respiratory Therapist, Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist | Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Traci Wolbrink, MD, MPH
Co-Director, OPENPediatrics; Co-Director, Center for Educational Excellence and Innovation; Program Director, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship; Senior Associate in Critical Care Medicine | Boston Children’s Hospital
Associate Professor of Anaesthesia | Harvard Medical School
Citation
Craig N, Wolbrink TA. General Ventilator Set-up. 9/2012. Online Video. OPENPediatrics. https://learn.openpediatrics.org/learn/course/internal/view/elearning/3025/general-ventilator-set-up.
