Hi Karen,
Your question leaves me with questions similar to BethU's.
How did your friend "indicate it was time?" Does she have any established method of communication such as eye blink or eye gaze? What is the individual's relationship with her physician and had she discussed this with the doc when she was able? If she is consistently able to "indicate" in some fashion would the physician be willing to support her? Does she have a designated health care surrogate and if so is that person willing to pursue this with her keeping in mind she is not mentally incapacitated just physically? Is there anyone in her immediate family that would not support this 100% because if so and they voiced dissent then this could prevent her from proceeding with removal given the definitive end of life result and the limited legal precedents. Is your friend at home or in a facility? A facility would have an Ethics policy or Ethics board that would also have to review the legality of removing a ventilator. Inquiries to Hospice would be helpful to discuss if they had ever done anything like this before and if so, what is the process for removing the vent and services that would be available to her for her care/comfort. My father passed away recently and chose not to use a ventilator. We did ask "What if" questions in regards to being placed on the ventilator and then deciding down the road that he had had enough. Both Pulmonologists we spoke with said they would honor his wishes but he needed to communicate his wishes clearly as to what would be the determining factor that signaled enough if he was unable to do so. Dad opted not to use the vent so we did not journey any further on this topic other than discussing options so I am afraid I am not very helpful.
What a very difficult topic, I feel for your friend. Your friend's situation may be an opportunity though for others to recognize the importance of planning to ensure their wishes are able to be managed.
Dana