Flow not returning to baseline
The next breath starts before exhalation is complete.
Vent control
Recognize auto-PEEP
The main clue is expiratory flow that fails to return to zero/baseline before the next breath.
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.
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