#266 Volume Control vs Pressure Control - Settings, Scalars, and Clinical Application Explained

Volume control or pressure control—how do you actually choose the right ventilator mode in real clinical practice?

In this episode, we break down volume control and pressure control ventilation step-by-step, focusing on settings, scalars, and how to apply both modes at the bedside in the ICU and emergency department.

We cover:

• What you set vs what is guaranteed in volume vs pressure control

• Key ventilator settings including tidal volume, inspiratory pressure, flow, and PEEP

• How to interpret scalars and waveforms in each mode

• How compliance and resistance affect pressure and volume delivery

• Clinical scenarios where volume control or pressure control is preferred

• Common pitfalls in ventilator management

Whether you’re managing ARDS, COPD, asthma, or undifferentiated respiratory failure, this episode gives you a practical framework to choose the right mode and interpret what the ventilator is telling you in real time.

🎥 Watch the full video version here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWAWN1Hy49U

📚 Download the full study guide + access our complete emergency critical care curriculum:
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• 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.