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Failure pattern review

Troubleshooting review

Failure pattern review

Start from what you can see in real time.

SpO₂ fallingOxygenation problem.BP/MAP fallingShock problem.No/low EtCO₂Tube, circulation, or equipment.Vent alarm / high pressureResistance, compliance, circuit, or dyssynchrony.Abnormal vital signsBradycardia, tachycardia, fever, low EtCO₂.Physiology pivotARDS, asthma/COPD, DKA, shock/RV, neuro.

Rule of thumb

  • Treat oxygenation and perfusion while diagnosing.
  • If unstable, bag the patient and simplify the system.
  • Reassess tube, circuit, monitor, meds, ventilator, and patient physiology.

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.

Resources · Editorial policy · ACEP intubation policy · AARC 2024 ventilator assessment guideline · ATS 2024 ARDS guideline update

About this resource
Website creator: Kyle Brown, MD Airway educational contributors: Andrew Pirotte, MD; Kyle Brown, MD; Reba Hodge, MD; Amanda Vanderwerf, PharmD, BCEMP; Morgan Kimball, PharmD, BCEMP; Joshua Mohess Clinical review: Emergency medicine faculty review completed. Medication content reviewed by Amanda Vanderwerf, PharmD, BCEMP, and Morgan Kimball, PharmD, BCEMP. Last reviewed: 2026-07-23 Next scheduled review: 2027-01-23 Designed for: EM residents, emergency physicians, EMS clinicians, airway educators, and simulation faculty Important: Educational resource and clinical-reference guide only; not a bedside order set or substitute for local protocol, medical direction, or clinical judgment. Website contact: [email protected]