EMS1 Contributor Waveform 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 exhaled air. It also displays a…

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. Share Your Capno Story With Us Do you have a story about how capnography made a difference? Share your story with us and we may publish it…

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence is joined by Deputy Director Tracey Loscar from Mat-Su Borough EMS in Alaska. Together, they discuss the looming threat of Mount Spurr, a volcano located 75 miles west of Anchorage, which is currently showing signs of potential eruption. Loscar provides insights into disaster management…

Lines validated for use with monitors that have Microstream technology from Medtronic provide accurate, reliable monitoring of end-tidal CO2 across a range of EMS and emergency department uses. Others’ sampling lines can be used with Microstream-enabled monitors but may be less accurate, less comfortable and susceptible to breakage. Not all off-brand products are created equal.…

Prehospital-focused researchers across the country are studying how to best adapt [thoracic POCUS] for use in EMS. By Emily Fitzgerald, MD Your ALS crew is dispatched to a local nursing home for the 74-year-old female with shortness of breath, priority 2. You arrive on scene to find an elderly woman in respiratory distress. She is…

Capnography – the utilization of devices to acquire, and the interpretation of numeric and waveform data – should be both an addition and mainstay within the clinical practice of EMS providers. Should EMTs be trained and required to utilize capnography within their scope of practice and clinical care? Yes. That was a short article! If…

Airway management is a critical skill for EMTs, requiring precise knowledge and quick decision-making to ensure patient safety and improve outcomes. This quiz focuses on various scenarios EMTs might encounter in the field, challenging their ability to choose the most appropriate airway management interventions. From pediatrics to adults, mild distress to cardiac arrest, each question…

Share Your Capno Story With Us Do you have a story about how capnography made a difference? Share your story with us and we may publish it on CapnoAcademy.

We asked EMS1 readers to share their knowledge and use of capnography during patient care Capnography is widely available to EMS providers for patient assessment and monitoring. We asked EMS1 readers to share their knowledge and use of capnography. These are the results of our capnography poll call: What is your level of certification? Three-quarters…

1. “It’s great for making the distinction between COPD and CHF. No more hoping the breathing tx doesn’t wind up drowning your patient.” — Mike Hasty 2. “Capnography has also been shown to be able to detect seizures before it happens as well as an asthma attack. It’s a fantastic tool to help in patient assessment.” — Glen…