Availability and clinical utilization of capnography in the prehospital setting

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 of capnography by Connecticut prehospital providers. A web-based survey was distributed to prehospital providers throughout Connecticut. The majority of respondents who provided advanced levels of care had capnography available for both intubated and nonintubated patients. Capnography is often used to confirm endotracheal intubations, monitor ventilation, and during cardiopulmonary resuscitations. Prehospital providers are using this monitoring device increasingly in the field for critically ill patients. However, it's use could still be increased in other clinical situations.