Ventilator Alarms (Deep Dive R33)

DOPES











D-Displacement – endotracheal tube dislodges from trachea, or falls into right mainstem bronchus











O-Obstruction – Mucous plugging, bronchospasm, patient biting tube











P –Pneumothorax – Look out for pneumothorax, it can be subtle











E – Equipment – Disconnected/unpowered equipment, ensure everything is powered on and connected appropriately











S – Stacking – common in asthma/COPD due to inadequate expiration resulting in air trapping between breaths











Further Reading











LITFL – Post-Intubation Hypoxia











CanadiEM – Approach to the Alarming Vent