For more on the basics of ventilation, take the free BMJ Learning module: https://bit.ly/VentilationAnimation.

The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that many healthcare professionals have been redeployed to work in unfamiliar environments, such as the intensive care unit (ICU). Mechanical ventilation is a key part of treatment in intensive care, and an unfamiliarity with it led to considerable concern among many health professionals. This module aims to provide a brief introduction to mechanical ventilation, outlining the basic principles and settings that are likely to be used.