I am looking for some clarification from anyone with medical expertise. Why do we need so many ventilators? Why do we need so many ventilators? I was under the impression that the patient would need to be unconscious to be on a ventilator. I totally understand the need for oxygen if the lungs are compromised. Are the patients being put in medically induced comas? What makes them unable to inflate their own  lungs?  Sorry if this is stupid. I am just trying to understand...