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...
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.
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 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...
Quiz: Use of Capnography in the assessment of sepsis patients
By Sean Hulsman Sepsis carries a greater mortality rate than many diseases we consider common place like breast cancer and AIDS. Surprisingly, EMS has only recently begun to broaden training on diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from sepsis in the field. The physiology of sepsis is very much within the realm of...
Cardiogenic Oscillations on VM-2500V capnograph pulse oximeter
An example of cardiogenic oscillations on a dog. This monitor and mainstream sensor are so quick the capnograph is actually counting and measuring each peak of the oscillations. https://youtu.be/5e2oM35RFOE
