Vent Settings (asthma/COPD)

• Risk for air trapping / barotrauma
• Need to allow for full exhalation between each inspiration

Mode	Volume assist control
Tidal volume	8 mL/kg predicted body weight (This setting should not need to be titrated.)
Inspiratory flow rate	60–80 L/min
Respiratory rate	Start at 8-10 breaths/min; adjust to allow full expiration
PEEP	0 cm H2O (some may use PEEP ≤5 cm H2O)
FiO2	Start at 40%; adjust for SpO2 ≥ 88%

Titrate respiratory rate to avoid auto-PEEP

• Check for full expiration by observing no before the next breath on the flow/time graph
• Check plateau pressures (keep under 30 cm H2O)

ARDS Settings

Reference:  Weingart SD. Managing Initial Mechanical Ventilation in the Emergency Department Annals of EM epub, June 8, 2016.