Problem
You are the administrator in a small, privately owned hospital. You're in the midst of the initial COVID-19 surge with many unknowns. You have two ventilators -- both currently being used by COVID-19 patients (Patients A and B). A third COVID-19 patient (Patient C) will likely die without being placed on a vent in the immediate future. You have no options to obtain an additional machine, nor do you have the equipment to allow one vent to be shared. Patient A's condition has worsened; his prognosis is dire. Regardless of being on the vent, he will likely pass away within 36 hours. Removal of the vent will cause certain death. Patient C has a much better prognosis, no co-morbidities, and will likely survive with very few long-term effects if placed on a vent within the hour. The same doctor is seeing all three patients. The physician comes to you recommending to remove the vent from Patient A to be used on Patient C. He would like your input before making the final decision. What is your decision and why?