5 things to know about capnography and respiratory distress
Bob SullivanEMS1 ContributorUnderstand how monitoring end-tidal carbon dioxide helps assess and treat a patient in respiratory distress Respiratory distress is one of the most common patient complaints. Waveform capnography is a valuable tool to determine the cause and severity of respiratory distress, to guide treatment decisions, and...
"It's bad, Dom. You need to get in there": A story of capnography in the field
Editor's Note: CapnoStories are reports from the field written by real EMS providers. They are not necessarily reflective of the views of CapnoAcademy. By Dominick Walenczak What was the patient’s problem? Describe your assessment findings and the patient’s presentation. We just cleared another call and were dispatched to a...
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...
Reality Training: Patient is weak and dizzy
Greg Friese, EMS1 Editor-in-ChiefEMS1.com ColumnistsWhat are the causes of the patient’s distress and what treatments are indicated?The incident: Patient is weak and dizzy What happened: You are called for a 60-year-old that is “weak and dizzy” and may have passed out. You and your partner find the patient seated on the porch of...
