Function of the Oxford Ventilator at high pressure.

The Penlon Oxford Ventilator functioned well to 6 atmospheres absolute in an air environment and to 31 atmospheres absolute in an oxyhelium environment, as assessed remotely utilising a lung ventilator performance analyser. It features easily comprehensible controls and functions, and its use in prolonged ventilatory support could be taught to non-anaesthetists with relative ease. In addition to its relative simplicity, it is reliable, readily available, and requires only fitting with a male Schrader valve for use at high pressures. The ventilator is recommended for ventilatory support under extreme hyperbaric conditions.