For many years, end tidal CO2 monitoring initially was helpful in differentiating tracheal versus esophageal intubations. Now with continuous end tidal capnography, providers have access to so much more information during a cardiac arrest resuscitation, as summarized by the recently released 2015 American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations.1 Thanks to Dr. Abdullah Bakhsh from Emory University for a great PV card to help remind us of these key cardiac resuscitation pearls.

PV Card: Continuous End Tidal CO2 Monitoring in Cardiac Arrest



Adapted from 1–4

Go to the ALiEM Cards site for more resources.

1. Circulation. 2015;132(18 Suppl 2):S444-64. PubMed] Link M, Berkow L, Kudenchuk P, et al. Part 7: Adult Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support: 2015 American Heart Association Guidelines Update for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.. 2015;132(18 Suppl 2):S444-64. 2. Am J Crit Care. 2001;10(6):391-398. PubMed] Ahrens T, Schallom L, Bettorf K, et al. End-tidal carbon dioxide measurements as a prognostic indicator of outcome in cardiac arrest.. 2001;10(6):391-398. 3. Ann Emerg Med. 2005;45(5):497-503. PubMed] Silvestri S, Ralls G, Krauss B, et al. The effectiveness of out-of-hospital use of continuous end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring on the rate of unrecognized misplaced intubation within a regional emergency medical services system.. 2005;45(5):497-503. 4. Circulation. 2015;132(18 Suppl 2):S414-35. PubMed] Kleinman M, Brennan E, Goldberger Z, et al. Part 5: Adult Basic Life Support and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Quality: 2015 American Heart Association Guidelines Update for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.. 2015;132(18 Suppl 2):S414-35.