daniduck
Forum Crew Member
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What is the formula that EMTs can go by to calculate minute volume... I've read my textbook (orange book)... Im having trouble to understand how to manually calculate air volume.... please let me know. Thanks.
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You can't actually calculate minute or tidal volume as an EMT (unless it is for testing purposes and they give you the pt's tidal volume). This is done when adjusting ventilator settings and the like.
You just need to understand the concept and be able to judge the depth/quality of respirations.
Edit: just realized that this is just for NREMT testing purposes.
The tidal volume is the amount of air that enters or leaves the lungs in a single respiratory cylce (Resting Conditions/Normal Breathing) It is usually about 500ml (70kg Male).
Depending on what values they give you, The Total ventilation or the Minute Volume (Ve) is the Tidal Volume X Respiratory Rate (Avg 15/min 70kg Male)
So remember the tidal volume is mL and the respiratory rate is per min so the total ventilation comes out as mL/Min
Example
Vt = 500ml
f (Respiratory Rate) = 15
500mL X 15/min = 7500 mL/Min
I dont know how much more advanced they go on that for the nmret emt, there are many other ways you could get to the tidal volume depending on what they give you etc.