This book addresses the needs of new clinical engineers, junior nurses, medics and operating department practitioners (ODPs) with regard to the fundamentals of many of the standard medical devices they will encounter in a hospital environment. The book can be used for both self-directed learning and also in a classroom environment as a textbook. Essential Guide to Medical Equipment Principles introduces and provides the principles behind many of the common medical devices and equipment used within a modern hospital. Each of the seven chapters is designed to cover a particular type of medical device such as mechanical ventilators along with the physiology that must be understood in order to make sense of their application and engineering concepts. This fundamental knowledge will enable the reader to progress further in the years to come. The author uses diagrams throughout the book to allow the reader to get the most from the text and ensure that the most essential information is understood. It offers a comprehensive understanding of the physiological and engineering principles underlying medical equipment. This book is intended for new technicians and engineers entering the clinical engineering field but can also be a valuable resource for a broader range of healthcare professionals, including operating department practitioners, neonatal unit practitioners, intensive care unit practitioners and other medical equipment users. With suppliers, manufacturers and in-hospital training, it will enable them to become safe and competent in the use and application of medical devices and equipment. The online support material includes a series of PowerPoint slides containing figures and diagrams from each chapter, to allow maximum use for those using the book for training purposes.