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