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Skill deck

Vent physiology

After the tube, the ventilator can help or harm.

Asthma/COPDWhat is the dangerous ventilator problem?Answer frameAir trapping/auto-PEEP: lower RR, allow exhalation, watch flow return to baseline, disconnect if crashing and appropriate.DKA/acidosisWhat is the danger of intubation?Answer frameLoss of compensatory minute ventilation; avoid prolonged apnea and under-ventilation after the tube.ARDS/hypoxemiaWhat are the core ideas?Answer framePBW-based low VT, oxygenation strategy, plateau/driving pressure awareness, early ICU/RT pathway.

About this resource

Created by: Kyle Brown MD; Andrew Pirotte, MD; Reba Hodge, MD; Amanda Vanderwerf, PharmD, BCEMP; Morgan Kimball, PharmD, BCEMP; Joshua Mohess Clinical review: EM faculty Reviewed: local ED, ICU, EMS, anesthesia, pharmacy, and pediatric protocol review recommended before bedside teaching rollout. Last reviewed: 2026-07-23 Next scheduled review: 2027-01-23 Designed for: EM residents, emergency physicians, EMS clinicians, airway educators, and simulation faculty Important: Educational resource and clinical-reference guide only; not a bedside order set or substitute for local protocol, medical direction, or clinical judgment. Website contact: kybrown@kumc.edu