When and why is a patient placed on a ventilator?

A patient is placed on a ventilator when they are unable to breathe adequately on their own, often due to conditions such as severe respiratory failure, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or during surgery requiring general anesthesia. The ventilator assists or takes over the breathing process to ensure the patient receives sufficient oxygen and eliminates carbon dioxide. This intervention is critical to support life and prevent complications from inadequate oxygenation.