Quiz: Pediatric Anaphylaxis: How Capnography can help assessment and treatment
By Sean Hulsman Reported cases of anaphylaxis are on the rise according to the CDC. This is particularly worrisome for EMS because pediatric patients suffering anaphylaxis often present differently than adults and pose special problems for prehospital clinicians. Read Pediatric Anaphylaxis: How Capnography can help assessment and...
Capno 101: What is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome?
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by severe shortness of breath and a rapid heart rate, often accompanied by cough, fever, chest pain and bluish lips or fingernails caused by low O2 levels. ARDS can be triggered by direct injuries to the lung such as pneumonia, aspiration, smoke inhalation or blunt...
Capno 101: What is Opioid-induced Respiratory Depression?
Opioid-induced Respiratory Depression (OIRD), usually caused by opioid use or post-operative complications from anesthesia, occurs when the opioids desensitize the brain stem to rises in CO2, which can rapidly lead to full-blown respiratory failure. Given the growing number of 911 calls due to opioid abuse and subsequent respiratory...
Quiz: Capnography in cardiac arrest
By Sean Hulsman Running a cardiac arrest is arguably one of the most stressful experiences an EMS provider can have. There are many tasks to complete and interventions to monitor. The scene is often charged with emotion. However, when all is said and done it’s the C-A-B approach which makes or breaks the treatment: high quality...
Capno 101: What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by inflamed and narrowed airways. When the inflamed airways of asthma patients react strongly to certain inhaled substances, commonly referred to as an asthma attack, the outcome is a hyper-reactive airway that results in acute bronchospasm, reducing the flow of air into the lungs. Swelling...
Capno 101: What is Heart Failure?
Heart failure, aka congestive heart failure or CHF, is a condition in which fluid builds up in the lungs and chest, making it difficult for the lungs to inflate and the heart to pump.
Capno 101: What is Airway Management?
Capno 101: What is Airway Management? Airway management is a critical EMS skill. Simply put, a patient without an airway will not survive – but placement of an advanced airway device in critically ill and injured patients is a high-risk procedure, and a misplaced airway can cause permanent disability or death. The capnography...
Quiz: Respiratory compromise from opioid overdose
By Sean Hulsman As EMS battles the rising trend of opioid abuse and subsequent respiratory arrest, lives are being saved through competent control of airway and breathing. It is important that providers understand not only the mechanism and drawbacks of naloxone, but also the best way to monitor respiratory status. Waveform...
