Safety checks
- Do not silence alarms without determining whether the patient is receiving the intended breath.
- If unstable, disconnect and bag while troubleshooting.
Vent control
Safety knobs
Use alarms and mechanics to keep the patient safe.
High pressure alarmPeak/plateau pathway.Low volume alarmLeak/disconnect/tube pathway.Trigger / timingDyssynchrony pathway.
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