Mechanical ventilation in the covid-19 patient

For patients with severe COVID-19, mechanical ventilation may be required to achieve adequate oxygenation. There is ongoing controversy surrounding the underlying pathophysiology and classification in regard to ventilatory strategies. In this chapter we present a summary of current literature and offer an evidence-based practical approach to mechanical ventilation for the emergency physician to utilize when faced with initial or complex ventilatory scenarios. This approach to mechanical ventilation for COVID-19 patients is grounded in the same principles guiding therapy for all-cause acute respiratory distress syndrome and lung protective ventilation. Outcomes, controversial strategies, and complications are discussed as well.