Under Positive Pressure | CPAP, BiPAP & Ventilators in the Field

What do CPAP, BiPAP, and ventilators really do—and how do you know when to use each one in the field?In this episode of Back in Quarters, Dustin Weber sits down with Thomas Krueger, critical care nurse and paramedic, to break down respiratory distress in a practical, street‑level way. They explore the difference between oxygenation failure and ventilation failure, why BiPAP is a game‑changer in prehospital care, and how early use of positive pressure can change a patient’s trajectory.From subtle red flags like “I’m tired,” to choosing the right tool at the right time, this conversation focuses on clinical judgment, patient tolerance, and using positive pressure to stay ahead of respiratory failure—before it turns into an airway you don’t want to manage.