Think
- Sedation, paralysis, CNS injury, severe fatigue, metabolic problem, or post-ictal state.
- Ensure backup rate/mode is appropriate.
Vent control
Apnea alarm: drive problem
Patient is not initiating expected breaths.
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