Compassionate Extubation: When It's Time to Remove a Ventilator

The act of compassionate extubation—removing ventilatory support to reduce a patient's pain and to allow for a natural death—is often accompanied by anxiety and misunderstanding for the patient’s family.

The goal of hospice extubation is a comfortable, dignified death wherever the patient calls home.

VITAS Healthcare provides the support necessary to meet the patient's medical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.

No matter where the extubation occurs:

• The patient’s and family’s wishes are honored.
• The patient’s pain and discomfort are managed.
• Chaplains, bereavement specialists and other emotional support are available for the family.
• Respiratory and music therapists are present to ensure the patient’s comfort.
• The underlying disease is the cause of death, not the process of ventilator withdrawal.