Experiences of an artificial ventilation unit.

Early experiences in an artificial ventilation unit are described. Four beds are available, three in cubicles and one in a completely enclosed room. This last is used for cases requiring isolation. Treatment is supervised by a consultant anaesthetist and by the consultant physician or surgeon referring the case, and a member of the anaesthetic staff is always present in the unit. The nursing staff is experienced, and the nurse/ patient ratio is at least 1:1. They monitor blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature, respiratory rate, minute volume and inflation pressure. Bacteriological examination of chest secretions and urine is performed daily and chest radiography, serum electrolyte determinations and haematological examinations are performed regularly. Blood gas analysis is being used with increasing frequency. The case records of the first 160 patients, divided into seven categories, have been examined, and their treatment described. It is concluded that the best results are obtained in patients suffering from crush injuries of the chest, from respiratory failure due to drug overdosage, or from severe tetanus. The results obtained in the postoperative group are disappointing.