Giffords Breathing on Her Own

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is staying strong: Doctors say she has been breathing on her own since she was shot a week ago, and now no longer needs a breathing tube. They inserted a new tube Saturday to protect her airways, along with a feeding tube so she can get more calories. Both are typical procedures for patients with brain injuries. But later in the day, a spokeswoman for the hospital said that doctors later removed the new breathing tube and replaced it with a with a tracheotomy tube inserted into her windpipe. This effectively takes Giffords off the ventilator, but still protects her from infection. The spokeswoman would not say why doctors went with a tracheotomy tube. According to the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, a tracheotomy tube could be more comfortable for patients after regaining speaking abilities and would allow them to eat and drink more easily. Giffords still remains in critical condition. Another victim of the shooting, 58-year-old James Tucker, was released from the hospital on Saturday. Two other victims remain there in good condition.