ARDS / severe hypoxemia
- PBW-based low VT; reassess plateau/driving pressure when feasible.
- FiO₂ and PEEP strategy with RT/ICU.
Rescue pathway
Ventilator pivots by physiology
Move this from one-size-fits-all settings to disease-specific priorities.
ARDS / hypoxemiaOxygenation knobs and pressure cost.Asthma/COPDAuto-PEEP / stacking waveform.DKA / acidosisMinute ventilation calculator.Shock / RV failureHemodynamic pivot.Vent control hubModes, parameters, pressure, alarms.
Asthma/COPD
- Long expiratory time, lower RR, avoid stacking, watch auto-PEEP.
DKA / severe acidosis
- Avoid prolonged apnea and post-intubation under-ventilation; match high minute ventilation thoughtfully.
Shock / RV failure
- Avoid excessive PEEP/intrathoracic pressure; consider RV physiology and preload/perfusion.
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