ETCO₂: What It Is and Why It Matters for First Responders

When you first hear the term ETCO₂, it might sound like complicated medical jargon. But in reality, it’s a simple concept that every professional responder should understand — and once you do, it can completely change the way you see your patients.

Let’s break it down step by step.

What Does ETCO₂ Mean?

ETCO₂ stands for End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide.

• End-Tidal = the very end of an exhaled breath.

• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) = the waste gas your body produces when it uses oxygen for energy.

So, ETCO₂ is literally the measurement of how much CO₂ is in the air a patient breathes out at the very end of their breath.

This number tells us an incredible amount about what’s going on inside the body — with both the lungs and the heart.

How Do We Measure ETCO₂?

ETCO₂ is measured using a device called capnography.

• In simple terms, it’s a little sensor attached to a mask, nasal cannula, or an airway device.

• It continuously analyzes the breath coming out and gives two things:

  1. A number (usually measured in mmHg, with normal being about 35–45 mmHg).

  2. A waveform (a little graph showing how the CO₂ rises and falls with each breath).

Why Is ETCO₂ Important?

Here’s the key: ETCO₂ reflects how well a patient is ventilating (moving air), but it also gives clues about circulationand metabolism. That’s why responders call it the “vital sign of ventilation.”

Think of it as a window into three systems at once:

1. Airway & Breathing

   • Low or absent ETCO₂ can mean the patient isn’t breathing well, has an obstructed airway, or isn’t ventilated properly with a bag-valve mask.

2. Circulation (Blood Flow)

   • In cardiac arrest, ETCO₂ is a powerful indicator of CPR quality. Good chest compressions circulate blood, and ETCO₂ rises.

   • A sudden spike in ETCO₂ can even mean return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) — the patient’s heart has started beating again.

3. Metabolism

   • Conditions like sepsis, diabetic emergencies, or shock can alter CO₂ levels. ETCO₂ helps responders piece together the bigger clinical picture.

Real-World Examples for Responders

• Cardiac Arrest: ETCO₂ below 10 mmHg during CPR often means compressions aren’t effective. When it jumps above 35 suddenly, it may mean you’ve got ROSC.

• Airway Management: If you intubate a patient and see a nice ETCO₂ waveform, you know the tube is in the trachea (not the stomach).

• Respiratory Emergencies: In asthma or COPD, ETCO₂ waveforms can show “shark fin” patterns, helping you confirm and monitor the severity.

• Sedation & Monitoring: If a patient is given pain medication, ETCO₂ helps detect if their breathing slows down before oxygen levels drop.

Why Should EMRs and Fire Applicants Care?

As an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or a firefighter applicant, understanding ETCO₂ gives you an edge. It shows you’re not just memorizing steps, but actually thinking about what’s happening inside the body.

• It ties together your knowledge of the respiratory system and cardiovascular system.

• It reinforces the importance of ventilation, circulation, and metabolic function.

• And most importantly, it helps you make better decisions in high-pressure situations.

The Bottom Line

ETCO₂ might sound technical, but at its core it’s simple: it’s how we measure how well a patient is breathing and circulating. For responders, it’s one of the most valuable tools you can use to guide patient care, especially in emergencies where seconds matter.

At Delta Emergency Support Training, we break down concepts like ETCO₂ in plain language and then show you how to apply them in real-world scenarios. Our courses are taught by active paramedics and firefighters, so you’ll learn not just the “what,” but the “why” and “how” behind every skill.

Water Safety for Parents: From Swimwear to Supervision

Summer Water Safety: What Every Parent Should Know Before Pool or Lake Days

When the sun is shining, water becomes a natural playground for kids — pools, lakes, rivers, and oceans offer endless summer fun. But for parents, water is also one of the most dangerous environments your child will be exposed to. Drowning is fast, silent, and all too common — especially in Canada, where thousands of natural bodies of water lie just beyond backyard fences and cottage docks.

The Reality: Drowning Is a Leading Cause of Death for Canadian Children

• Drowning is the second leading cause of preventable death for children under age 10 in Canada.

• According to the Lifesaving Society of Canada, nearly 500 Canadians die from drowning every year, and almost one-third are under the age of 19.

• Children aged 1 to 4 are at the highest risk, most often drowning in pools, while older children are more at risk in open water like lakes and rivers.

• 88% of child drownings happen when a parent or caregiver is supervising — but distracted.

These tragedies are preventable with layers of protection: supervision, swimming skills, proper safety gear, and informed adults.

1. Enroll in Swimming Lessons Early

Formal swimming lessons reduce drowning risk by up to 88% for children ages 1–4, according to the Canadian Pediatric Society. The Red Cross and Lifesaving Society both emphasize the value of age-appropriate water safety education from toddlerhood.

Look for programs that teach:

• Entering and exiting water safely

• Floating, treading water, and self-rescue

• Using lifejackets and understanding currents

• Knowing when to call for help

Even for strong swimmers, refreshing skills before each summer season helps reinforce safety habits.

2. Supervision Saves Lives — But Only if It’s Active

Drowning happens in as little as 20 seconds. It is quiet — no splashing, no screaming. A child can slip under the water while you're answering a text.

Good supervision means:

• You're within arm's reach for young or weak swimmers

• You're not distracted by your phone, books, or alcohol

• You rotate with other adults every 15–30 minutes if needed

• You avoid relying on older children to supervise younger siblings

Tip: Use a “Water Watcher” card or lanyard to clearly identify the supervising adult at any given time.

3. Know the Risks in Different Environments

Each setting has unique dangers, especially in Alberta where cold lakes and rivers are common.

Pools

• Install fences with self-latching gates

• Use pool alarms or covers when not in use

• Never rely on inflatable toys or floaties for safety

Lakes and Rivers

• Use properly fitting lifejackets

• Be aware of drop-offs, weeds, and sudden cold

• Water visibility is often poor — stay close and alert

Oceans

• Only swim in lifeguard-supervised zones

• Learn to identify rip currents and how to escape (swim parallel to shore)

• Watch for tides, jellyfish, and sharp shells

4. Dress for Water Safety — Including the Right Colours

Lifejackets:

Always wear Transport Canada-approved lifejackets when boating, paddling, or playing near open water.

Swimwear Colour Matters:

A 2022 study by ALIVE Solutions tested how well different swimsuit colours showed up underwater — especially in murky or sun-glared conditions. Results showed that bright neon colours like orange, pink, and lime green were most visible. Earth tones, blue, and even white blended into water and became invisible within just a few feet.

Best for visibility:

• Neon orange

• Hot pink

• Lime green

• Bright yellow

Avoid:

• Blue, grey, white, or pastels (especially in natural water)

5. Take a CPR & First Aid Course

In emergencies, seconds matter. CPR, rescue breathing, and basic first aid skills can make the difference between life and death while you wait for EMS.

We recommend:

• CPR-C or Emergency First Aid with CPR

• Child & Infant CPR refresher courses for babysitters, older siblings, and grandparents

• Courses offered by trusted organizations like the Canadian Red Cross or Lifesaving Society

At Delta Emergency Support Training in Calgary, we offer family-friendly and babysitter-focused Red Cross courses year-round.

6. Teach Kids Water Safety at Every Age

Make water safety part of your regular parenting conversations:

• Always ask permission before going near water

• Never swim alone — even with a lifejacket

• Get out when cold or tired

• If in trouble: call for help, float, and don’t panic

• Teach older children how to help safely without jumping in themselves

Water should be fun — but it should also be respected.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Preventable Tragedy Ruin Your Summer

Most childhood drownings are not freak accidents — they are preventable. Supervision, the right gear, swimming skills, and training create the strongest safety net.

This summer, be proactive — and make sure water memories are joyful ones.

Looking for Babysitter or CPR Courses in Calgary?

Delta Emergency Support Training offers:

• Babysitter Certification (Red Cross)

• Emergency First Aid & CPR for Families

• Private bookings for friend groups or community groups

All classes are taught by real paramedics and emergency responders who know what works in real life.

Spots fill fast during summer — contact us today to learn more!