#262 Mechanical Ventilation Basics - I:E Ratio Made Simple for ICU & Emergency Care

The I:E ratio is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—settings in mechanical ventilation. In this episode, we break down the inspiratory-to-expiratory (I:E) ratio in a simple, practical way so you can understand how it impacts ventilation, gas exchange, and patient outcomes in the ICU and emergency department. We cover: What the I:E ratio actually represents How it affects airflow, CO₂ clearance, and oxygenation Why improper settings can lead to breath stacking and autoPEEP How to adjust the I:E ratio in obstructive vs restrictive lung disease Practical bedside applications in mechanically ventilated patients Whether you’re managing a patient with COPD, asthma, ARDS, or undifferentiated respiratory failure, this episode gives you a clear framework to understand and apply the I:E ratio in real clinical scenarios. 🎥 Watch the full video version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oahcjS3LWZE 📚 Download the full study guide + access our complete emergency critical care curriculum: https://www.patreon.com/c/WhiteBoardMedicine Our Patreon includes: • Study guides for every video • Mini-courses (ventilation, shock, RRT & more) • Practice questions • Ad-free videos • A structured ICU curriculum Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical decisions should be made by licensed healthcare professionals using their clinical judgment, institutional protocols, and current evidence. Whiteboard Medicine assumes no responsibility for clinical outcomes.