What does "ventilation" refer to in emergency care?

Ventilation refers specifically to the process of providing air to the lungs, which is essential in emergency care, especially when a person is not breathing adequately or at all. This can involve techniques such as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, bag-mask ventilation, or the use of mechanical ventilators in a hospital setting. Proper ventilation ensures that oxygen is delivered to the alveoli in the lungs, allowing for gas exchange and, consequently, the oxygenation of the blood, vital for sustaining life.

Understanding ventilation is crucial for first responders and healthcare providers, as it can significantly impact a patient's outcome during respiratory distress or cardiac arrest. Other processes, like cardiopulmonary resuscitation, while related to ventilation, emphasize a broader set of actions incorporating chest compressions and circulation but do not exclusively focus on airflow to the lungs.