Rule
- First decide whether the vital-sign problem is oxygenation, perfusion, ventilation, pain/awareness, medication, or underlying disease.
Rescue pathway
Abnormal vital signs after intubation
Translate the vital sign into a failure bucket.
Low SpO₂Open hypoxia pathway.Low BPOpen hypotension pathway.Low EtCO₂Open EtCO₂ pathway.BradycardiaHypoxia, vagal, acidosis, meds, arrest.Tachycardia / hypertensionPain, awareness, hypoxia, hypercarbia.
Clinical review / use limits
Authored by: Airway of the Month education team. Last reviewed: July 2026. Audience: EM learners, faculty, EMS, RT, simulation educators, and airway teams.
This is an educational cognitive-aid scaffold, not a bedside order set. Verify medications, ventilator changes, pediatric dosing, and procedures against local ED, ICU, anesthesia, pharmacy, RT, EMS, and pediatric policies.
Resources · Editorial policy · ACEP intubation policy · ARDS ventilation reference