Definition

Noun: A portable medical device used to provide artificial ventilation to a person who is not breathing or is breathing inadequately. It forces a mixture of air and oxygen into the lungs, typically via a face mask or endotracheal tube, to support or restore spontaneous breathing.

Usage

The word "resuscitator" refers specifically to the mechanical device itself. It is used in emergency medical contexts, such as by paramedics, in hospitals, or in public access settings. * The paramedic immediately reached for the resuscitator when they found the patient was not breathing. * All ambulances are equipped with a bag-valve-mask resuscitator. * The doctor connected the resuscitator to the oxygen supply.

Advanced Usage

• Manual Resuscitator: Often called a "bag-valve mask" (BVM), this is a hand-held device that a rescuer squeezes to deliver breaths.
• Automatic/Mechanical Resuscitator: A device that delivers breaths at a set rate and volume without manual operation, often used during prolonged transport or in intensive care.

Variants and Related Words

• Resuscitate (verb): To revive someone from unconsciousness or apparent death. (e.g., The team worked to the drowning victim.)
• Resuscitation (noun): The process of reviving someone. (e.g., Cardiopulmonary (CPR) is a vital skill.)
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitator (CPR): This is not a device but a procedure. "Resuscitator" is the device; "CPR" is the manual technique often used before or alongside a resuscitator.

Synonyms

• Ventilator: While a ventilator is often a more complex, long-term life support machine, in broad emergency terms it can serve a similar function. A resuscitator is typically for immediate, short-term use.
• Ambu-bag: A common brand name often used generically for a manual resuscitator.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• There are no common idioms using the word "resuscitator." Its use is almost exclusively technical and medical.

Noun

1. a breathing apparatus used for resuscitation by forcing oxygen into the lungs of a person who has undergone asphyxia or arrest of respiration