ACLS End Tidal Capnography

End Tidal Capnography

End Tidal – pC02 35-45

Helps determine function of the heart

Upward – exhale

End tidal is just before the descent

During a cardiac arrest we want to achieve an end tidal Pc02 of at least 10mmhg

If it is 10 or below we need to improve chest comprssions

When it suddenly rises we may have just returned to spontaneous circulation

 

Summary

Assesses quality of chest compression

Exhibits return to spontaneous cardiac activity ROSC

3 breath by breath assessment of ET tube placement