A ventilator is a machine that helps you breathe. Your child may need a ventilator if a medical condition makes breathing difficult or they’re unable to breathe on their own.

University of Miami Health System pediatric critical care specialists provide expert care for children who need ventilator support for respiratory failure. Our team of pediatric doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other critical care specialists are well-equipped to deliver the highest level of care.

Who is a Candidate?

Respiratory failure can be caused by a variety of conditions or situations that may need temporary or ongoing ventilator support, including:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) 
• Brain injury 
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung diseases
• Drug overdose
• Myasthenia gravis 
• Pneumonia and other infections
• Polio
• Stroke 
• Upper spinal cord injury

What to Expect

A ventilator can help your child with breathing or completely take over the normal work of their lungs — either for a short period during healing or for an extended period, depending on their condition.

Your child won’t be able to talk while using a ventilator, but they may be able to respond to you in writing or with electronic devices. Also, they’re fed through an IV (intravenous) or feeding tube. We make sure your child is safe and as comfortable as possible while they’re receiving ventilation support.

Our advanced equipment allows us to monitor your child’s breathing at all times, even when we’re not in the room. The care team is notified immediately of any changes in breathing. We keep you informed about your child’s condition, and we’re here to answer all your questions.