CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL EDITION, Episode 5: Surviving the Ventilator Shortage

A critical shortage of mechanical ventilators is anticipated in many countries, including the United States, because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A potential emergency solution would be the use of bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP). BiPAP may be used in the hospital setting with appropriate precautions for intubated COVID-19 patients experiencing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Use of invasive BiPAP on an emergency basis may delay or obviate the need for mechanical ven...