When a person is faced with a choice of being on a ventilator or letting go I believe there is a 3rd option trying extraordinary means. These means may have a probability of success of less then 1 % but at least if they do work they will give the patient some chance of having a better quality of life not just existing. Furthermore if they do work they will help others in similar situations. I’m not a doctor so these attempts (below) might be futile before they start but sometimes an individual outside looks at things a bit differently then those who wear the scrubs. G-D willing one of them might help my mother who is sure a dire situation and other loved ones as well.
(1) EXTREME STIMULATION- While off the ventilator the doctor/nurse would help the patient work with their 5 senses that have been dulled previously. For example smelling a lovely aroma, tasting a drop of their favorite wine, getting a rub down/massage, listening to a beautiful song and/or looking at puppy pictures.
(2) SHOCK- Use of an AED might add an electrical stimulus which could force a patient to breathe on their own.
(3) OXYGEN- Adding extra O2 might help a patient endure moments where breathing can be extremely difficult
(4) FEAR- Individuals who experience fear suddenly take a deep breathe which then stimulates the breathing process as a whole. Maybe some light form with water which of course wouldn’t be torture can work with said situation.
(5) DRUGS- Naloxone or an Adrenaline shot might give the heart the impetuous to keep going.
(6) TICKLING- It’s not a funny situation but if laughter can have someone breathe again then it’s worth a try.
(7) PRAYER- Yes, it has been scientifically proven that even organism which are prayed on do better then those that are not so why not try on actual human beings as well.