Abstract
Aim: The aim of this article, is to show capnometry as a device that is helpful in resuscitation attempts; understanding the basics of the device; presentation of equipment available on the market, appropriate testing method and interpretation of its results.
Introduction: One of the responsibilities of rescuers-firefighters is to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on sudden cardiac arrest victims. The most important actions of well performed CPR are: chest compressions and defibrillation. High quality of quickly undertaken chest compressions is emphasized in the European Resuscitation Council Guidelines for Resuscitation of 2015. The actions should be evaluated by rescuers on an ongoing basis, using both sight and additional tools. Measurement of carbon dioxide in exhaled air (capnometry) is a method based on colorimetric or spectrophotometric analysis of the composition of gas that comes out of the victim's lungs during exhalation. This procedure is routinely used by emergency medical service teams during performing emergency medical procedures inter alia to assess the quality of chest compressions. It has been estimated that the content of carbon dioxide in exhaled air correlates with the value of cardiac output that is generated by compression of the chest, at constant minute ventilation. In addition, some devices indicate the amount of breaths performed by the rescuer per minute. Due to this fact excessive ventilation that is undesirable, but often occurs is avoided,. Simple to use, disposable end-tidal carbon dioxide detectors two years ago were included in the minimum composition of R1 rescue set, that is available for the National Firefighting and Rescue System units.
Conclusions: Efforts should be made on routine and purposeful usage of end-tidal CO₂ detectors during cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed by rescuers-firefighters.
Relevance in practice: Rescuers, who provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation, have a possibility to efficiently assessment of chest compressions that are being performed. This allows them to immediately correct possible mistakes due to insufficient ejection of blood from the heart. Increasing the quality of procedures undertaken by firefighters for a patient, who suffered from sudden cardiac arrest, may affect further actions carried out by healthcare providers, and consequently increase the chances of survival.
Keywords: resuscitation, quality, capnometer, carbon dioxide, detector
Type of article: review article