What is mandatory for all invasive airway management according to protocols?

The requirement for ETCO2 monitoring during all invasive airway management procedures is based on its critical role in assessing a patient's ventilation status. ETCO2, or end-tidal carbon dioxide, provides real-time feedback on the amount of carbon dioxide being exhaled, indicating how well the lungs are exchanging gases. This measurement is particularly vital when advanced airway devices, such as endotracheal tubes, are employed, as it confirms both correct placement of the airway and the effectiveness of ventilation.

Unlike some other monitoring methods, ETCO2 monitoring specifically addresses the safety and efficacy of airway management interventions. By ensuring adequate ventilation and verifying that the airway is patent, paramedics can significantly reduce the risk of hypoxemia and other complications associated with improper airway management. Therefore, this monitoring becomes a mandatory component when performing invasive airway procedures under EMS protocols, supporting both patient safety and effective clinical outcomes.