EtCO2 Trace Loss

🔑 Key Priorities

• Immediate exclusion of cardiac arrest or major disconnection

• Manual ventilation while assessing underlying cause

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🧠 Team Actions

Role	Task
Team Leader	Lead differential, call for help
Airway Manager	Disconnect + hand ventilate while monitoring chest
Assistant	Check circuit, gas flow, capnograph, monitor

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🧭 Management Algorithm

1. Flatline capnograph (EtCO₂ < 5 mmHg)

2. Confirm clinical signs: chest rise, pulse, saturation

3. Disconnect circuit and ventilate manually

4. Consider causes:

   1. Cardiac arrest

   2. Circuit disconnection or blocked sample line

   3. Severe hypotension / PE / massive air embolism

5. Restore ventilation and address underlying pathology

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🔄 Ideal Crisis Flow

    Sudden EtCO₂ Drop or Flatline Trace
                  ↓
    Confirm Pulse, Chest Rise, Saturation
                  ↓
    Disconnect Circuit + Manual Bag Ventilation
                  ↓
    Rule Out Arrest / Disconnection / Equipment Fault