Also, his lung doctor is the fucking boss! He specializes in patients with motor neuron diseases (ALS), dystrophies, MS, etc. My dad had literally had 2 nurses and 6 doctors listen to his lungs, the specialist rolled in, listed for a few seconds and was like, 'get the fellow in here'. He heard things, and was able to tell exactly what was going on, he didn't even need to look at the x-ray. I adore this man.
Sending good thoughts, sorry he is so sick. Eta: my dad was intubated once due to his asthma. It wasn't pleasant but it worked. Hope they can avoid it, but it sounds like he is in good hands.