Supermanwoot
Registered
I don't think that is what she said. And you are getting further and further from diving relation.
Thats my point exactly. ETCO2 is not a valid parameter to measure for diving. It just doesn't make sense unless you are taking a patient diving who requires mechanical ventilation underwater with questionable cardiovascular function.
CO2 being exhaled (ETCO2) is a good thing. If it builds up in your exhale circuit it should get vented or scrubbed. CO2 on your inhale side is a completely different entity.
And to correct what was said by TSandM, ETCO2 does not measure your ventilation as much as perfusion, stop saying that. ETCO2 will be higher if you are perfusing more and metabolizing oxygen, but you can stop breathing and have an end tidal. Can you tell from someones ET if they have a respiratory acidosis? no you cant, you have to pull an ABG or shock panel.
edit: Somehow people are associating ETCO2 with what you are breathing in. But thats saying that better measured by a CO2 sensor before inhalation, because AFAIK even 1% Co2 can be potentially hazardous to inhale, esp at depth. But the chances that inhaling 1%CO2 would significantly affect ETCO2 is questionable at best, especially if the toxic effects slow down your circulation, causing a misleadingly normal level.
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