Question
Hello!  I am a published author and I need some information for one of my book characters.  He is SCI, C4-5 complete, age 16, and in rehab. after a motorcycle accident.  I would like to give specific step-by-step information on weaning him from a ventilator, but so far I've not found such detailed  information on any websites.  I'm familiar with the tracheostomy procedure, cleaning, suctioning, etc. ... but not clear on how to do the weaning process.  Could you please help me with this?  Thanks!  Mary K.

Answer
Hi Mary,
Thank you for your question.

I must commend on your efforts to gather accurate info instead of taking a creative license.

The weaning process is a rather simple one. When the doctors feel a patient is strong enough to begin the weaning propcess, a respiratory therapist will begin by turning the vent off for a period of time. It may be 10, 15 or 30 minutes or more, depending how long the therapist feels the patient can handle. It also depends on how long the patient has been on the vent. After each session, blood gases are taken and if the results are positive, the process is repeated again and the time is extended.

If the blood gases remain strong, it may take a patient a few days to begin breathing on their own. But, in some cases, it could take weeks or even months.

After the patient is weaned, they are kept on oxygen and monitored closely and chest x-rays are taken daily ensure the is no build up of fluid in the lungs.

Christopher Reeve was unable to breath on his own past 2 hours. In my own case, I never had a trach but I have been on a vent a few times and as recently as last August. I have been very fortunate to come off the vent within a couple of days after begining weaning process.

I hope this helps and if you need more info, please, feel free to ask.

Thanks,
John McKinzie