Utility of colorimetric end-tidal carbon dioxide detector for monitoring during prehospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a colorimetric end-tidal CO2 ( 2) detector (EASY CAP) as a monitor during prehospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) without tracheal intubation. This detector was used for 121 patients during CPR with a laryngeal mask airway or face mask by authorized emergency lifesaving technicians. At 7 to 15 minutes after the initiation of CPR, was <0.5% in 30 cases (group A), 0.5% to 2.0% in 46 cases (group B) and>2.0% in 45 cases (group C). The rate of return of spontaneous circulation was 17% in group A, 24% in group B, and 48% in group C (groups A v C, P< .01). There was a significant difference in the rate of hospital admission between groups A and C. The 2 value may be useful for monitoring during prehospital CPR with a laryngeal mask airway or face mask.