When an individual stops breathing, he will soon die if the tissues of the body,
particularly the brain, do not get a fresh supply of oxygen.
a. Various mechanical devices are sometimes used to maintain breathing. One
is the pulmotor.
b. In "mouth-to-mouth" resuscitation, the operator forces air from his own
respiratory system into the respiratory system of the patient. Fortunately, the initial air
forced into the patient is the "dead air" of the operator and still has its full amount of
oxygen.
c. There are also various techniques for manipulating the patient's rib cage to
simulate normal function.
d. At times, gravity may be used to assist a patient. In particular postures, a
patient may find breathing easier. Also, under certain circumstances, a patient may be
positioned to drain accumulated fluids from specific parts of the lungs.
MD0007
7-21