<description>&lt;p data-start="1610" data-end="1940"&gt;In this episode, we explore the science, history, and frontline application of End-Tidal CO₂ (ETCO₂) — a tool that offers real-time insight into ventilation, perfusion, and metabolism. Danny and Rance from DnR explain how paramedics can use ETCO₂ to assess and guide care across multiple patient presentations.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="1942" data-end="1960"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="1942" data-end="1960"&gt;Key Takeaways:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul data-start="1961" data-end="2958"&gt; &lt;li data-start="1961" data-end="2062"&gt; &lt;p data-start="1963" data-end="2062"&gt;ETCO₂ is the &lt;em data-start= "1976" data-end="1994"&gt;sixth vital sign&lt;/em&gt; — reflecting ventilation, perfusion, and metabolism in real time.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-start="2063" data-end="2165"&gt; &lt;p data-start="2065" data-end="2165"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="2065" data-end="2094"&gt;Capnography vs. Oximetry:&lt;/strong&gt; SpO₂ shows what &lt;em data-start="2111" data-end="2116"&gt;was&lt;/em&gt; happening; ETCO₂ shows what's &lt;em data-start="2147" data-end="2163"&gt;happening now.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-start="2166" data-end="2297"&gt; &lt;p data-start="2168" data-end="2297"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="2168" data-end="2196"&gt;Waveform interpretation:&lt;/strong&gt; Alpha and beta angles reveal underlying pathology like bronchospasm, obstruction, or air trapping.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-start="2298" data-end="2716"&gt; &lt;p data-start="2300" data-end="2320"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="2300" data-end="2318"&gt;Clinical uses:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul data-start="2323" data-end="2716"&gt; &lt;li data-start="2323" data-end="2394"&gt; &lt;p data-start="2325" data-end="2394"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="2325" data-end="2347"&gt;Tube confirmation:&lt;/strong&gt; Real-time verification in 6 breaths or less.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-start="2397" data-end="2464"&gt; &lt;p data-start="2399" data-end="2464"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="2399" data-end="2407"&gt;CPR:&lt;/strong&gt; Values &lt;10 mmHg after 20 mins indicate poor prognosis.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-start="2467" data-end="2527"&gt; &lt;p data-start="2469" data-end="2527"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="2469" data-end="2485"&gt;Ventilation:&lt;/strong&gt; Real-time feedback for rate and volume.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-start="2530" data-end="2613"&gt; &lt;p data-start="2532" data-end="2613"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="2532" data-end="2550"&gt;Head injuries:&lt;/strong&gt; Maintain normocapnia; hyperventilate only during herniation.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-start="2616" data-end="2716"&gt; &lt;p data-start="2618" data-end="2716"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="2618" data-end="2650"&gt;Sepsis, trauma, PE, and DKA:&lt;/strong&gt; Trending ETCO₂ helps identify metabolic and perfusion problems.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-start="2717" data-end="2958"&gt; &lt;p data-start="2719" data-end="2740"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="2719" data-end="2738"&gt;Practical tips:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul data-start="2743" data-end="2958"&gt; &lt;li data-start="2743" data-end="2784"&gt; &lt;p data-start="2745" data-end="2784"&gt;"Filter first, end-tidal to the sky."&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-start="2787" data-end="2841"&gt; &lt;p data-start="2789" data-end="2841"&gt;Inline sensors outperform sidestream for accuracy.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-start="2844" data-end="2958"&gt; &lt;p data-start="2846" data-end="2958"&gt;End-tidal is not just for intubated patients — use it with nasal prongs for sedation and respiratory monitoring.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt;</description>

Critical Levels

Critical Levels

Waveforms Don't Lie - Danny and Rance (DnR)

OCT 19, 202563 MIN
Critical Levels

Waveforms Don't Lie - Danny and Rance (DnR)

OCT 19, 202563 MIN

Description

In this episode, we explore the science, history, and frontline application of End-Tidal CO₂ (ETCO₂) — a tool that offers real-time insight into ventilation, perfusion, and metabolism. Danny and Rance from DnR explain how paramedics can use ETCO₂ to assess and guide care across multiple patient presentations. Key Takeaways: ETCO₂ is the sixth vital sign — reflecting ventilation, perfusion, and metabolism in real time. Capnography vs. Oximetry: SpO₂ shows what was happening; ETCO₂ shows what's happening now. Waveform interpretation: Alpha and beta angles reveal underlying pathology like bronchospasm, obstruction, or air trapping. Clinical uses: Tube confirmation: Real-time verification in 6 breaths or less. CPR: Values Ventilation: Real-time feedback for rate and volume. Head injuries: Maintain normocapnia; hyperventilate only during herniation. Sepsis, trauma, PE, and DKA: Trending ETCO₂ helps identify metabolic and perfusion problems. Practical tips: "Filter first, end-tidal to the sky." Inline sensors outperform sidestream for accuracy. End-tidal is not just for intubated patients — use it with nasal prongs for sedation and respiratory monitoring.