What percentage of patients recover after being on a ventilator?

i am a respiratory therapist, and a very large number of patients placed on a ventilator recover just fine, i know it looks horrible to see your family member at the other end of that tube/ventilator, but once you get over the shock of seeing them and it is explained to you what is going on(educating the family members will relieve alot of the stress)it gets alittle easier to handle each day, still stressful, but not as bad as when the family didn't have a clue about the whole process, and alot of patients are so medicated, they don't remember the experience, all they know is that their throat hurts when it is all said and done

It largely depends on the reason WHY a person is on a ventilator. A statistic using overall data would be of no use. For example, almost anyone who presents with a massive stroke will be on a ventilator with virtually no chance of recovery. On the other hand, someone who has had too much to drink might spend eight hours on a ventilator until their body clears the alcohol and then be just fine. Please re-ask your question with the diagnosis included. Remember, EVERYONE who undergoes general anesthesia for surgery goes on a ventilator and the vast majority come off (millions/year) with no difficulty!

I don't know a percentage....I do know that it is most of them. A ventilator can save a life, or prolong a life that can't be saved. Also, I have a couple of patients who have been on a ventilator at home for years....like Christopher Reeve, they are quadrapalegics and cannot breath on their own.