Various portable ventilators are available, driven by demands for equipment suitable for different clinical situations and environments. Their design reflects availability of gas and electrical supplies and the modes of ventilatory support required by the patient population. When transporting critical care patients, provision for estimated gas and electrical requirements should be made. A ventilatory mode suited to the patient's clinical condition should be selected and trialled before departure.
An appreciation of how different portable ventilators function, preferably supported by comparative data, can help when an organization purchases such equipment. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of a specific ventilator and breathing circuit may help anticipate and prevent complications during transfer.