Use
- Minute ventilation = VT × RR.
- In obstructive disease, increasing RR may worsen auto-PEEP and hypotension.
Vent control
Ventilation knobs
Change PaCO₂/pH with minute ventilation while avoiding breath stacking.
Minute ventilationVT × RR.Obstructive I:EExpiratory time and air trapping.Flow not back to baselineAuto-PEEP 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