For this segment, we will learn how pulse oximetry uses near infrared light to detect the cardiac induced pulsatile signal of arterial blood and then measures the percentage of oxygenated hemoglobin in arterial blood. To help provide insight into this topic is Jake Dove, PhD, Senior Principal R&D Engineer at Medtronic. The Nellcor™ pulse oximetry…

Mike McEvoy EMS1.com Columnists For both intubated and non-intubated patients, capnography can provide a wealth of information about vital signs In the life and death business of EMS, you need tools that you can rely upon. Capnography is the non-invasive measurement of exhaled carbon dioxide (CO2) displayed as a CO2 waveform concentration over time. During…

I arrived on scene perhaps ten minutes behind the first-in crew and the shift supervisor. Both the crew paramedic and the supervisor were knowledgeable, experienced providers. A school nurse was there as well, providing background info on our patient; a 16-year-old student with a history of asthma in severe distress. Our patient was in bad…

Capnography has revolutionized prehospital patient care and assessment should be part of every EMS system By Chris Cebollero Capnography has revolutionized how paramedics diagnosis, treat and manage patients. If your organization has not already implemented capnography here is a 10-step process to successfully implement capnography. Phase I: Preparation 1. Choose a project manager As with…

Seizures are one of the most common conditions encountered by EMS providers and one where critical interventions can significantly affect patient outcomes [1]. Oxygenation and ventilation can be compromised during prolonged seizures, as well as during the postictal phase after seizures. Here are three things you should know about seizures and respiratory compromise. 1. Seizures…

Melissa Langhan, MD reviews the importance of capnography to monitor pediatric patients in the emergency medicine environment. 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.

Capnography monitoring offers early insights on respiratory status to help you determine the most appropriate intervention. The Capnostream™ 35 portable respiratory monitor combines Microstream™ capnography and Nellcor™ pulse oximetry technologies and is built to be at its best when things are at their worst. Rugged design and shockproof to 1.25 meters, it can be used…

When added to a thorough history and physical exam, waveform capnography is a valuable assessment tool in accurately diagnosing the cause of 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 to…

In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dive headfirst into one of paramedic’s most anxiety-inducing scenarios: the pediatric airway. Despite decades of advancement, pediatric codes still strike fear into the hearts of even the most seasoned medics. So why hasn’t this gotten any easier? Drawing on their own…

For EMS, capnography can provide a useful window into metabolism, perfusion and ventilation. There’s good reason capnography has been called the most vital of the vital signs. Its utility goes far beyond just confirming the placement of endotracheal tubes (though of course that’s important), and it can provide EMS providers valuable early and transitioning insight…