Rogue capno waves: Abrupt onset of rapid expiratory oscillations
Cardiogenic oscillations (COS) of the capnography waveform match the patient's heart rate and are caused by pulmonary artery pulsations Your team intubated a 38-year-old woman who was found unresponsive following a poly-substance drug overdose. Intubation was performed without difficulty and no medications were necessary. Waveform...
Capnography for kids: 5 applications for EMS providers to consider
EMS1 SponsoredUnderstand how waveform capnography can be used to assess and treat ventilation, perfusion and metabolic emergencies in children By Bob Sullivan Assessing and caring for pediatric patients can be a challenge for EMS providers. Small children cannot verbalize what is bothering them, and the assessment depends...
Rogue capno waves: Resuscitation team notes unusual waveform during CPR
Researchers theorize that an oscillating waveform may be caused by air movement from chest compression and recoil By Mike McEvoy A 52-year old man collapsed at a fitness center while running on a treadmill. Bystanders initiated CPR and delivered one shock with the facility AED. Your team has been providing ALS care for 12...
Teaching Capnography: Sequence instruction from pathophysiology to advanced waveform interpretation
Students need to know that capnography is part of the standard of care and is one of the most important diagnostic tools at their disposal By Chris Cebollero Since the introduction of the 12-Lead EKG to EMS in the late 90’s has there been a more important piece of equipment then capnography? Your cardiac monitor with...
5 medical conditions where capnography can affect BLS care
EMS1 ContributorWaveform capnography provides real-time feedback that BLS providers can use to make treatment decisions and improve care By Bob Sullivan Waveform capnography is an additional vital sign that can influence treatment and transport decisions. Capnography measures end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2), which is the amount of CO2 present in...
Use capnography to detect airway loss and more
The greatest clinical invention of our time confirms and monitors airway placement By Susan Thibeault I once asked my 101-year-old great-grandmother, “What was the best invention during your lifetime?” “The washing machine,” she replied. Wow, can you imagine life without a washing machine? When I am 101-years-old, if I...
10 steps to implement capnography in your EMS system
Capnography has revolutionized prehospital patient care and assessment should be part of every EMS system By Chris Cebollero Capnography has revolutionized how paramedics diagnosis, treat and manage patients. If your organization has not already implemented capnography here is a 10-step process to successfully implement...
The critical role of capnography
For both intubated and non-intubated patients, capnography can provide a wealth of information about vital signs.
