A system for supporting the blood gas exchange by means of mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal blood gas exchange comprises a ventilation device for mechanical ventilation of the lungs of a patient, and an ECLS device for the extracorporeal blood gas exchange, wherein the ventilation system is designed to perform mechanical respiratory support by the ventilation device on the one hand and an extracorporeal blood gas exchange by the ECLS device on the other hand in coordinated, automated manner in order to support the gas exchange in the blood circulation of the patient, wherein the ECLS device sets a level of the extracorporeal blood gas exchange, and the ventilation device, on the basis of the level of the extracorporeal blood gas exchange set by the ECLS device, adjusts in automated manner to a level of the mechanical respiratory support.
