“Mechanical ventilation in children is not a new topic; however, ventilator technology and features are continuously being improved. Even experienced physicians need regular updates in order to apply them effectively in clinical practice. At the Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, during peak periods, the number of pediatric patients requiring mechanical ventilation can reach 100–120 cases per day. Therefore, training and advanced updates on ventilator use are an urgent requirement to help physicians master the equipment, improve treatment quality, and ensure patient safety.”
This was emphasized by Dr. Phan Huu Phuc, MD—Deputy Director of Vietnam National Children’s Hospital—at the opening ceremony of the Advanced Training Course on Pediatric Ventilator Use, held over two days (8–9 April 2026).
Dr. Phan Huu Phuc encouraged participants to openly share their experiences and real-world clinical challenges to identify optimal solutions together.
The program was jointly organized by Vietnam National Children’s Hospital and DMED Medical Equipment Co., Ltd., and was intended for physicians working in the Hospital’s intensive care and emergency units, as well as staff from several pediatric and obstetrics–pediatrics hospitals nationwide. The course instructor was Dr. Dang Thanh Tuan, MSc, MD—Head of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Children’s Hospital 1—one of the leading experts in emergency and critical care, particularly pediatric mechanical ventilation, in Viet Nam and the region.
Dr. Dang Thanh Tuan shared fundamental and advanced knowledge on ventilator use for pediatric patients.
Practice-centered training model
The training content was designed with a strong emphasis on hands-on practice. Each topic was linked to real clinical cases, enabling participants to analyze scenarios and practice under the instructor’s supervision. After each section, technical errors were identified and accompanied by in-depth analysis to help participants recognize technical mistakes, understand underlying mechanisms, and apply the knowledge effectively in treatment.
Participants directly analyzed clinical cases, performed ventilator use, and refined ventilator-use skills under instructor guidance.
Comprehensive updates from fundamentals to advanced topics, toward individualized treatment
On 8 April, the program focused on foundational knowledge, including:
- Indications for mechanical ventilation and initial ventilator settings based on pediatric disease conditions
- Adjustment of ventilation parameters in mechanically ventilated pediatric patients
- Optimization of oxygenation
- Updates on mechanical ventilation for pediatric patients with ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome)
Theoretical sessions interspersed with practical sessions helped participants more easily access and apply the content in practice.
According to the plan, on 9 April, the course will continue with more advanced topics and new, effective approaches, including:
- Respiratory mechanics and methods for measuring respiratory mechanics on ventilators
- Mechanism of ASV (adaptive support ventilation)
- Mechanical power: applications in PARDS management and early detection of ventilator-induced lung injury
- Alveolar recruitment maneuvers in children
Digital Information Office – Training and Research Institute for Child Health
