Pressure support on a ventilator.

[Letspray]

Does anyone know what pressure support on a ventilator ? We’ve just had a worrying phone call from the hospital that the pressure support has gone up from 12 to 15 ( the nurse said this is the maximum on the ventilator) the peep is 5 and the oxygen has gone up to 55% to 65%??. From being stable at 40% a few days ago They have just had the tracheotomy about 3 days ago and at the weekend things looked much better with the oxygen stabilising at 40% with the peep at 5 and pressure support at 12. The information from the hospital coming out is not clear and the family are extremely worried now and will be having another sleepless night. Anyone’s thoughts on this would be appreciated.

[LeopardGecko]

I would say that if you are really unsure then it might be best to contact the hospital and ask them to clarify.

I believe that a ventilator can provide 'pressure support' which I think is what helps the lungs to do their job by helping them to expand. As a patient gets better, the pressure support gradually gets decreased as the patient is able to do this for themselves.

I would suggest that a tracheostomy is a good step forward so try to remember that positive. Critical care is also a horrible rollercoaster which never moves consistently forward. My husband had many setbacks and times where nothing seemed to be happening but he got there in the end xx

[Sepsur]

@LeopardGecko has explained it perfectly 😀.

[DonnaJ26]

The nurse is not correct, my sister was on 18 and static for a few weeks, they need it to be in single numbers to start the weaning. Once they are strong enough they start to reduce the pressure by 1 to 2 per day. I would call and ask to speak to a doctor to confirm x

[Letspray in reply to DonnaJ26]

Thank you I will

[Psp007]

Hello there! This was my question a couple of days ago! I had a lovely lady ont he group explain to me that it can stay static and come down slowly. Praying the hospital today can advise on pressure and tell me it's going down! Dad's was on 22 and they got to 18

[Letspray]

That’s really good news. How can I join this group listening to other peoples stories will help me a lot.