There are plenty of excellent online resources for learning about capnography, so we’re not going to try and recreate them. However, here are some great links to get you going:
Get started
A basic introduction to capnography by Dr Rowan Duys:
Visit the free capnography tutorial and then take the interactive quiz hosted by Medtronic, which includes live waveforms.
Learn more
You can use these capnography resources:
- Capnography.com is the grandfather of free online capnography resources, and has lots of detailed information.
- Download a quick-reference PDF for your smartphone: Capnography QuickGuide
- Life in the Fast Lane – Waveform Capnography
- KIDocs – EtCO2 for the non-anaesthetist
Some important waveforms
Via KIDocs; origin unknown. Comment if they are your material, so we can thank you!
Dynamic waveforms
Normal waveform
Apnoea commencing
Bronchospasm/COAD
Bradypnoea/Hypercarbia
Hyperventilation
Hypocapneoa
Hypoventilation
Partial airway obstruction
Rebreathing
Cardiac arrest with CPR
ROSC
Have more good resources? Suggest them in the comments!