life support

• Término médico que designa el equipo y los procedimientos utilizados para mantener las funciones vitales del organismo de un paciente cuando no puede realizarlas de forma natural, como la respiración o el latido del corazón; también se usa en sentido figurado para algo que sostiene o mantiene activa una situación o proyecto.

A medical term referring to the equipment and procedures used to maintain a patient's vital bodily functions when they are unable to do so naturally, such as breathing or heart function.

1. B2formal

   Medical equipment or techniques used to keep a person alive when their vital organs are failing.

   soporte vital

   • The patient was placed on life support after the accident.
   • Doctors decided to turn off the life support machine.
   • Life support systems can sustain breathing and heart function.

2. Essential supportB2informal

   Something that is absolutely necessary for survival or continued existence.

   soporte vital

   • For many small businesses, government grants are their life support.
   • The charity provides life support for homeless families.
   • Water and food are the basic life support for any living being.