The optimal ventilation strategy during cardiac arrest remains uncertain. However, over and under ventilation of patients in cardiac arrest is well documented. Is it time to deploy ventilators to regularize ventilation in cardiac arrest? What lessons can we take from the adoption of mechanical CPR devices? What are the options for mechanical ventilation during cardiac arrest? Can these devices be used safely and effectively to improve the treatment of cardiac arrest patients? The Salt Lake City Fire Department experience with the implementation of mechanical ventilators during cardiac arrest will be used to highlight many of these issues.