Life-supporting treatment refers to medical interventions used to maintain or prolong the life of a patient when essential bodily functions are no longer sufficient on their own. These treatments are typically employed in critical or end-of-life care situations. The main goal is to support vital body systems (such as breathing or heart function) in cases where they are failing, often to give time for recovery or to preserve life in the face of a terminal condition.

Some common forms of life-supporting treatment include:

Mechanical Ventilation: A machine (ventilator) helps a patient breathe by pushing air into the lungs when they are unable to do so effectively on their own.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): This is used in emergencies when a patient's heart or breathing has stopped, involving chest compressions and sometimes defibrillation to restore heartbeat and breathing.

Artificial Nutrition and Hydration (ANH): Providing food and fluids intravenously or via a feeding tube when a patient cannot eat or drink on their own.

Dialysis: A treatment that filters waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys fail to perform this function.

Medications to Support Blood Pressure and Heart Function: These drugs help maintain heart function and blood circulation when the heart is weak or in failure.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO): A machine that temporarily takes over heart and lung function, circulating oxygenated blood through the body when the heart and lungs are too damaged to do so.

Defibrillation and Pacemakers: Electric shocks or devices implanted in the chest to help regulate heart rhythms when there are dangerous arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).

Life-supporting treatments can be temporary or long-term, and decisions regarding their use often involve ethical considerations, particularly regarding quality of life, patient autonomy, and end-of-life care preferences