Availability and clinical utilization of capnography in the prehospital setting

Abstract

Capnography provides a continuous and objective measure of ventilation that can alert a provider immediately to a problem with airway or ventilation. Capnography has been recommended in the monitoring of patients during transport and can be utilized as a measure of ventilation or perfusion in other clinical scenarios. The objective of this study is to determine the current availability and utilization ofcapnographybyConnecticutprehospitalproviders. A web-based survey was distributed to prehospital providers throughout Connecticut. The majority of respondents who provided advanced levels of care had capnography available forboth intubated and nonintubated patients. Capnography is often used to confirm endotracheal intubations, monitor ventilation, and during cardiopulmonary resuscitations. Prehospital providers are usingthis monitoringdevice increasingly in the field for critically ill patients. However, it's use could still be increased in other clinical situations.