Fix ideas
- Increase inspiratory flow or adjust rise time as mode allows.
- Assess patient demand, sedation/analgesia, bronchospasm, and ETT resistance.
Vent control
Flow starvation
Patient demand exceeds ventilator inspiratory flow; pressure may show a scooped or depressed initial slope.
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