PREVENTING VENTILATOR ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA KEY POINTS Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is defined as pneumonia that occurs in a mechanically ventilated patient more than 48 hours after endotracheal intubation. The What does VAPS mean? Definition of VAPS VAPS stands for visual analogue pain scale. By AcronymsAndSlang.com PROPHY VAP: Ceftriaxone to prevent early ventilator associated pneumonia The Bottom Line WHAT IS VENTILATOR ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA (VAP)? Intensive Care Hotline