Capnography has evolved from a tool used primarily to confirm endotracheal tube placement into one of the most valuable patient assessment technologies available in EMS. End-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO₂) monitoring provides real-time information about ventilation, perfusion and metabolism, often revealing changes in a patient’s condition before traditional vital signs. From respiratory distress and sepsis, to cardiac arrest and procedural sedation, capnography allows clinicians to identify trends early, evaluate treatment effectiveness and make more informed clinical decisions.
This Capnography quick-reference guide, sponsored by Medtronic, is designed as a practical field resource that simplifies waveform interpretation and reinforces key clinical concepts. Rather than focusing solely on the ETCO₂ number, the guide encourages providers to interpret the waveform within the context of the patient’s presentation and underlying physiology. By understanding what capnography is telling you, you can recognize deterioration sooner, improve patient outcomes and elevate the quality of care you provide every day.
Fill out the form on this page to get instant access to EMS1’s free Capnography Quick-Reference Guide. Inside, you’ll find:
- Pre-use checklist to confirm equipment and establish a quality waveform
- Low and high ETCO₂ checklists to narrow your differential faster
- A waveform recognition cheat sheet
- Pocket card linking each ETCO₂ finding to its likely cause and what to check next
Capnography often shows a change in your patient’s condition before vital signs do. Whether you’re a new provider building your skills or a veteran looking for a sharp refresher, this guide puts the essentials where you can use them.
Fill out the form on this page to download your copy of the “Capnography Quick-Reference Guide.”
