The use of capnography in the air medical environment.

We can count on two things when we receive a call as part of an air medical transport team--the patient is in critical condition, and time is of the essence. Whether the patient has experienced trauma from a motor vehicle crash, has fallen, or has suffered an insult as a consequence of poor health, our technique, skill, and judgment are tested constantly. Fortunately, we have equipment at our disposal to make our job easier. One of the more difficult aspects and responsibilities of air medical transport teams is placement of an endotracheal tube (ET). Along with the techniques used for successful endotracheal intubation (ETI), available technology can maximize patients' ventilatory status using an instrument that detects expired carbon dioxide (CO(2)) levels.