This title implies that one has already decided that one\u27s patient needs to be artificially ventilated, that is, that he is in respiratory failure. How does one diagnose respiratory failure? Much of what I have to say in this regard is in terms of arbitrary limits, values, and guidelines. Since these guidelines are arbitrary, there may exist legitimate grounds for differences of opinion about some of them. However, we have found these guidelines to be quite helpful, and experience would indicate that they are reasonable
