Part 1 Principles of mechanical ventilation: physiologic effects of mechanical ventilation; modes of mechanical ventilation; flows, waveforms and I:E ratios; pressure versus volume ventilation; FIO2, PEEP, and CPAP; initiation of mechanical ventilation; patient/ventilator system management; weaning from mechanical ventilation; determining appropriate physiologic goals. Part 2 Ventilator management: ARDS; COPD; chest trauma; neurologic disease; post-op; neuromuscular disease; congestive heart failure and acute MI; asthma; burns and smoke inhalation; bronchopleural fistula. Part 3 Monitoring during mechanical ventilation: indices of oxygenation and ventilation; blood gases and electrolytes; pulse oximetry, capnography and transcutaneous monitoring; haemodynamic monitoring; basic lung mechanics during mechanical ventilation; advanced lung mechanics during mechanical ventilation; metabolic monitoring. Part 4 Topics in mechanical ventilation: airway management; bronchial hygiene and aerosol therapy; pharmacologic therapy; chest tubes; emergency and transport ventilation; non-invasive ventilation; mechanical ventilation; miscellaneous techniques.