5 simulation scenarios to teach capnography to BLS providers
EMS1.com ColumnistsEMTs can easily learn how to use capnography as a patient assessment and monitoring tool By Aaron Dix Capnography is an essential tool to assess and treat numerous conditions, ranging from respiratory distress to sepsis. Track expired or exhaled carbon dioxide, known as ETCO2, to monitor the effectiveness of chest...
Reality Training: Unresponsive teen after intentional asphyxiation
EMS1.com ColumnistsHow will you care for a teenager who intentionally asphyxiated himself and is now unresponsive with agonal respirations? You are dispatched to a residence for an unresponsive 14-year-old male patient after choking. You arrive to find frantic parents leading you to the basement, where the patient is unresponsive on the...
Restraint and capnography: Lifesaving for patients and career-saving for medics
EMS1.com ColumnistsUnderstand how capnography identifies respiratory and cardiovascular compromise in restrained patients By Bob Sullivan Caring for aggressive and violent patients can be one of the most challenging situations EMS providers face. Patients who are intoxicated, have overdosed, are in drug withdrawal or have psychiatric...
4 things paramedics need to know about capnography and heart failure
EMS1.com ColumnistsRecognize the signs and symptoms of heart failure and understand how capnography can be used to guide treatment By Bob Sullivan Patients with heart failure pose several challenges for paramedics to assess and treat. Signs and symptoms of heart failure can mimic other respiratory conditions and there is both a...
3 ways to teach capnography with active learning
Paramedic Chief Digital EditionEMS1.com ColumnistsAdd electronic response devices and video to lectures and train with simulation to keep learners engaged, stimulate discussion and apply content By Bob Sullivan EMS tends to attract action-oriented people with short attention spans, which is a challenge when designing education...
3 things paramedics need to know about seizures and respiratory compromise
Bob SullivanEMS1.com ColumnistsUnderstand how respiratory monitoring devices can be used to guide treatment during and after seizures Seizures are one of the most common conditions encountered by EMS providers and one where critical interventions can significantly affect patient outcomes . Timely seizure management is a benchmark...
Rogue Capno Waves: Confirm and monitor alternative airway placement
Mike McEvoyEMS1.com ColumnistsEnd-tidal carbon dioxide is an irrefutable indication for any type of airway adjunct A 56-year-old male collapsed at a restaurant and received several minutes of dispatcher-assisted CPR. A civilian responding to a mobile phone alerting system retrieved an AED from an adjacent business and administered one...
Tension pneumothorax: How capnography and ultrasound can improve care
EMS1.com ColumnistsHow using capnography and ultrasound with a physical exam can improve diagnosis and treatment of tension pneumothorax By Bob Sullivan Tension pneumothorax is a condition that can quickly cause death from respiratory and circulatory compromise . Prompt recognition of tension pneumothorax and treatment with needle...
