life support

(noun) equipment that makes life possible in otherwise deadly environmental conditions. Synonyms: life-support system, life support. Example: "The astronauts relied on their life-support systems."

(noun) medical equipment that assists or replaces important bodily functions and so enables a patient to live who otherwise might not survive. Synonyms: life-support system, life support. Example: "The patient is on life support."

(adj) of or pertaining to equipment or methods used to sustain life. Synonyms: life-support.