Think
- Obstruction slows exhalation.
- High RR, long Ti, or low flow can make trapping worse.
- Use waveform and hemodynamics to guide changes.
Vent control
Obstruction causing auto-PEEP
High resistance plus short expiratory time causes air trapping.
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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