Hello, I'm an expert in medical science with a focus on respiratory care. I can provide you with a detailed answer to your question.

Yes, it is possible to die while on a ventilator, but it's important to understand that a ventilator is a life support machine designed to assist or replace the spontaneous breathing of a patient who is experiencing respiratory failure or is unable to breathe on their own. The primary goal of a ventilator is to provide oxygen to the lungs and remove carbon dioxide, which can be critical in sustaining life.

However, being on a ventilator is not a guarantee of survival. Several factors can influence the outcome:


1. Underlying Health Conditions: The patient's overall health and the severity of their underlying medical condition can significantly impact their chances of survival. For instance, patients with severe chronic illnesses may have a higher risk of mortality.


2. Reason for Ventilation: The cause of respiratory failure is also a critical factor. Some causes, like severe infections or trauma, can be more life-threatening than others.


3. Duration on Ventilator: The longer a patient is on a ventilator, the higher the risk of complications such as ventilator-associated pneumonia or barotrauma, which can increase the risk of death.


4. Complications: Complications like infections, organ failure, or the development of other serious medical conditions can be life-threatening.


5. Response to Treatment: How well the patient responds to treatment can also affect their survival. Some patients may improve with ventilation and other supportive care, while others may not.


6. Age and Frailty: Older age and frailty can be associated with a higher risk of death while on a ventilator.

It's important to note that while a ventilator can be life-saving, it is also an invasive procedure with risks and is typically used when other treatments have failed or are not possible.

read more >>

In some cases the patient does die even while on a ventilator. Without a ventilator it would be simple to see and tell they are dead because without oxygen their heart would quickly stop beating. ... You don't want a dead body hooked up to a ventilator for weeks.read more >>