What is a typical ETCO2 reading during effective CPR?

A typical end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) reading during effective CPR is often within the range of 10-15 mmHg. During high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation, effective chest compressions can help maintain some circulation and, therefore, some level of carbon dioxide elimination, albeit at reduced efficiency compared to normal physiological conditions.

In this state, a reading of 10-15 mmHg indicates that some effective perfusion is occurring and can provide important feedback to the resuscitation team. While higher values might be seen as the patient's condition improves or when spontaneous circulation returns, the lower range specifically indicates that the CPR being performed is generating some blood flow and providing a meaningful measurement of the patient's status during resuscitation efforts.

This range serves as a valuable target benchmark for rescuers to assess their efforts, with a significantly lower reading suggesting inadequate perfusion or ineffective compressions. The focus during CPR is to optimize the delivery of compressions, which can improve the ETCO2 levels as circulation starts to normalize.