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Rescue pathway

No or low EtCO₂ waveform

No waveform is a crisis until proven otherwise.

Tube problemEsophageal, mainstem, dislodged, obstructed.Equipment problemCapnography, sampling line, circuit, monitor.Low-flow stateArrest, severe shock, very low perfusion.

Immediate actions

  • Assume tube/circulation/equipment problem until proven otherwise.
  • Reconfirm tube with direct visualization if needed.
  • Check capnography connection, circuit, and monitor.
  • If in arrest/low-flow state, interpret EtCO₂ in resuscitation context.

Clinical review / use limits

Authored by: Airway of the Month education team. Last reviewed: July 2026. Audience: EM learners, faculty, EMS, RT, simulation educators, and airway teams.

This is an educational cognitive-aid scaffold, not a bedside order set. Verify medications, ventilator changes, pediatric dosing, and procedures against local ED, ICU, anesthesia, pharmacy, RT, EMS, and pediatric policies.

Resources · Editorial policy · ACEP intubation policy · ARDS ventilation reference