Over the last few years the two most rapidly growing new EMS product technologies have been CPAP and ETCO2 devices. While the range of CPAP devices suitable for EMS providers has not changed recently, the choices of ETCO2 devices are growing. Two reputable manufacturers that understand the needs of Emergency Professionals have just introduced new ETCO2 monitors.

There are three basic types of ETCO2 Monitor, sidestream, mainstream, and colorimetric. Sidestream devices pull a small gas sample into the machine. They are usually a little more sophisticated and can display waveforms and trends. Until this month only sidestream devices were quantitative, or could display a numeric CO2 value. Sidestream units are a little more complicated to maintain and service, but give more information and can be used with a special cannula on breathing patients. Mainstream units measure CO2 using light reflectance photometry right at the ETT. They commonly display a CO2 sample strength indicator. They usually cannot display an actual numeric value. Colorimetric devices are disposable adjuncts that use a litmus style paper filter that changes color when exposed to CO2. Mainstream and Colorimetric devices are usually used just for verifying ETT placement on non-breathing patients.

Nonin Medical, the company that launched EMS Pulse Oximeters in the United States, has announced the introduction of their new LifeSense Monitor. The LifeSense is a full-featured device that combines Medair EtCO₂ with Nonin PureSAT^® Pulse Oximeter technologies. This is a sidestream type ETCO2 device that can display waveforms and trends. This product features;

• Widescreen touch panel display
• NONIN PureSAT SpO₂ technology
• Medair EtCO₂ Technology rate display
• Numerical EtCO₂ and SpO₂ display
• 4-hour waveform trending
• Capnograph and plethysmograph display
• Backlit LCD display
• Audible and visual alarms
• Data output via RS-232 port

The brand new The BCI® Capnocheck® capnometer is a small portable capnometer that monitors carbon dioxide concentrations and respiratory rate in one easy-to-use device. This is the first quantitative mainstream ETCO2 device. It’s very small and light, and engineered to go directly between your ETT and ventilatory device. It gives providers not only verified ETT placement, but also provides a constant assessment of ventilation performance. When using a BVM, the Capnocheck will provide a constant display of both respiratory rate and ETCO2 numeric value, helping you to maintain the proper ventilation rate and minute volume. I really love this product, but wish it was 500 bucks and 5$ per use instead of a grand and 10$. Still, it's just too cool ignore. This product features;

• Pocketsize, lightweight (2.1 oz.)
• Easy to use
• Fully quantitative
• Miniaturized mainstream device
• Battery powered – 2 AAA
• No routine calibration required
• No warm up time needed