Abstract:
Improved apparatus and methods for monitoring, diagnosing and treating at least one medical respiratory condition of a patient are provided, including a medical data input interface adapted to provide at least one medical parameter relating at least to the respiration of the patient, and a medical parameter interpretation functionality ( 104, 110 ) adapted to receive the at least one medical parameter relating at least to the respiration ( 102 ) of the patient and to provide at least one output indication ( 112 ) relating to a degree of severity of at least one medical condition indicated by the at least one medical parameter.

Description:
REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/590,202 filed on 8 Jun. 2000, entitled “Waveform Interpreter for Respiratory Analysis”.  
         [0002]    Applicants hereby claim priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/251,829 filed Dec. 7, 2001, entitled “Interpretive Medical Care System Using Multiple Inputs”, of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/251,828 filed Dec. 7, 2001, entitled “Interpretive Cardiac Care System Using Multiple Inputs” and of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/978,831, filed Oct. 15, 2001, entitled “Respiratory Analysis with Capnography”. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    The present invention relates to the use of respiratory information in automated medical status assessment.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    The following U.S. patent and publication are believed to represent the current state of the art: U.S. Pat. No. 4,440,177 to Anderson et al, describes a respiratory analyzer system. Reference is also made to NIH publication on. 97-4051 entitled “Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma” pp 108-109, 1991.  
           [0005]    The disclosures of all references mentioned above and throughout the present specification are hereby incorporated herein by reference.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    The present invention seeks to provide improved methods and apparatus for monitoring, diagnosing and treating at least one medical respiratory condition.  
           [0007]    There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system employing at least one parameter relating at least to respiration of a patient for providing an indication relating to at least one medical condition, the system including:  
           [0008]    a medical data input interface adapted to provide the at least one medical parameter relating at least to respiration of the patient, and  
           [0009]    a medical parameter interpretation functionality receiving the at least one medical parameter relating at least to respiration of the patient and providing the at least one output indication relating to a degree of severity of at least one medical condition indicated by the at least one medical parameter.  
           [0010]    There is thus also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system employing at least one parameter relating at least to respiration of a patient for providing at least one indication relating to at least one medical condition, the system including:  
           [0011]    a mobile platform, and  
           [0012]    a medical care facility suitable for use by an operator other than a medical doctor, the medical care facility including:  
           [0013]    a medical data input interface providing the at least one medical parameter regarding a patient, and  
           [0014]    a medical parameter interpretation functionality receiving the at least one medical parameter regarding the patient and providing the at least one output indication relating to a degree of severity of the at least one medical condition indicated by the at least one medical parameter.  
           [0015]    There is thus further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system employing at least one parameter relating at least to respiration of a patient for providing at least one indication relating to at least one medical condition, the system including:  
           [0016]    a medical data input interface providing the at least one medical parameter regarding a patient,  
           [0017]    a medical parameter interpretation functionality receiving the at least one medical parameter regarding the patient and providing the at least one output indication, and  
           [0018]    a treatment control functionality for controlling the provision of at least one treatment to a patient in response to the at least one output indication.  
           [0019]    There is thus further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system employing at least one parameter relating at least to respiration of a patient for providing at least one indication relating to at least one medical condition, the system including:  
           [0020]    a mobile platform, and  
           [0021]    a medical care facility suitable for use by an operator other than a medical doctor, the medical care facility including:  
           [0022]    a medical data input interface providing the at least one medical parameter regarding a patient,  
           [0023]    a medical parameter interpretation functionality receiving the at least one medical parameter regarding the patient and providing the at least one output indication, and a treatment control functionality for controlling the provision of at least one treatment to a patient in response to the at least one output indication.  
           [0024]    There is thus also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system employing at least two parameters relating at least to respiration of a patient for providing at least one indication relating to at least one medical condition, the system including:  
           [0025]    a medical data input interface providing at least two medical parameters regarding a patient, and  
           [0026]    a medical parameter interpretation functionality receiving the at least two medical parameters regarding the patient and providing the at least one output indication relating to at least one medical condition indicated by the at least two medical parameters.  
           [0027]    There is thus yet further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system employing at least two parameters relating at least to respiration of a patient for providing at least one indication relating to at least one medical condition, the system including:  
           [0028]    a mobile platform, and  
           [0029]    a medical care facility suitable for use by an operator other than a medical doctor the medical care facility including:  
           [0030]    a medical data input interface providing at least two medical parameters regarding a patient, and  
           [0031]    a medical parameter interpretation functionality receiving the at least two medical parameters regarding the patient and providing the at least one output indication relating to at least one medical condition indicated by the at least two medical parameters.  
           [0032]    There is thus also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system employing a plurality of parameters relating at least to respiration of a patient for providing a plurality of indications relating to at least one medical condition, the system including:  
           [0033]    a medical data input interface providing the plurality of medical parameters regarding a patient,  
           [0034]    a medical parameter interpretation functionality receiving the plurality of medical parameters regarding the patient and providing the plurality of output indications, and  
           [0035]    a medical treatment control functionality for controlling the provision of at least one treatment to a patient in response to changes in the relationship between the output indications.  
           [0036]    There is thus further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system employing a plurality of parameters relating at least to respiration of a patient for providing a plurality of indications relating to at least one medical condition, the system including:  
           [0037]    a mobile platform, and  
           [0038]    a medical care facility suitable for use by an operator other than a medical doctor, the medical care facility including:  
           [0039]    a medical data input interface providing a plurality of medical parameters regarding a patient,  
           [0040]    a medical parameter interpretation functionality receiving the plurality of medical parameters regarding the patient and providing the plurality of output indications, and  
           [0041]    a medical treatment control functionality for controlling the provision of at least one treatment to a patient in response to changes in the relationship between the output indications.  
           [0042]    There is thus further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system employing a plurality of parameters relating at least to respiration of a patient for providing an indication relating to at least one medical condition, the system including:  
           [0043]    a medical data input interface providing the plurality of medical parameters regarding a patient, and  
           [0044]    a medical parameter response functionality receiving the plurality of medical parameters regarding the patient and providing an output indication based on the relationship between the medical parameters.  
           [0045]    There is thus yet further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system employing a plurality of parameters relating at least to respiration of a patient for providing an indication relating to at least one medical condition, the system including:  
           [0046]    a mobile platform, and  
           [0047]    a medical care facility suitable for use by an operator other than a medical doctor, the medical care facility including:  
           [0048]    a medical data input interface providing the plurality of medical parameters regarding a patient, and  
           [0049]    a medical parameter response functionality receiving the plurality of medical parameters regarding the patient and providing an output indication based on the relationship between the medical parameters.  
           [0050]    There is thus additionally provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system employing a plurality of parameters relating at least to respiration of a patient for providing an indication relating to at least one medical condition, the system including:  
           [0051]    a medical data input interface providing the plurality of medical parameters regarding a patient, and  
           [0052]    a medical treatment control functionality receiving the plurality of medical parameters regarding the patient and controlling at least one treatment based on a relationship between the medical parameters.  
           [0053]    There is thus further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system employing a plurality of parameters relating at least to respiration of a patient for providing an indication relating to at least one medical condition, the system including:  
           [0054]    a mobile platform, and  
           [0055]    a medical care facility suitable for use by an operator other than a medical doctor, the medical care facility including:  
           [0056]    a medical data input interface providing the plurality of medical parameters regarding a patient, and  
           [0057]    a medical treatment control functionality receiving the plurality of medical parameters regarding the patient and controlling at least one treatment based on a relationship between the medical parameters.  
           [0058]    There is thus also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system employing a plurality of parameters relating at least to respiration of a patient for providing an indication relating to at least one medical condition, the system including:  
           [0059]    a medical data input interface providing the plurality of medical parameters regarding a patient, and  
           [0060]    a medical parameter response functionality receiving the plurality of medical parameters regarding the patient and providing an output indication relating to a degree of severity of at least one medical condition indicated by the plurality of medical parameters.  
           [0061]    There is thus also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system employing a plurality of parameters relating at least to respiration of a patient for providing an indication relating to at least one medical condition, the system including:  
           [0062]    a mobile platform, and  
           [0063]    a medical care facility suitable for use by an operator other than a medical doctor, the medical care facility including:  
           [0064]    a medical data input interface providing the plurality of medical parameters regarding a patient, and  
           [0065]    a medical parameter response functionality receiving the plurality of medical parameters regarding the patient and providing an output indication relating to a degree of severity of at least one medical condition indicated by the plurality of medical parameters.  
           [0066]    There is thus further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, an emergency medical transport facility including:  
           [0067]    a mobile platform, and  
           [0068]    a medical care system suitable for use by an operator other than a medical doctor, the medical care system including:  
           [0069]    a medical data input interface providing at least one medical parameter regarding a patient, and  
           [0070]    a medical parameter interpretation functionality receiving the at least one medical parameter regarding the patient and providing an output indication relating to a degree of severity of at least one medical condition indicated by the at least one medical parameter.  
           [0071]    There is thus also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system employing at least one parameter relating at least to respiration of a patient for providing an indication relating to at least one medical condition, the system including:  
           [0072]    a medical data input interface adapted to provide the at least one medical parameter relating at least to respiration of the patient, and  
           [0073]    a medical parameter interpretation functionality receiving the at least one medical parameter regarding the patient, and wherein the at least one medical parameter interpretation functionality includes:  
           [0074]    a medical condition diagnosis functionality for diagnosing the presence of the at least one medical condition, and  
           [0075]    a medical condition severity functionality indicating the degree of severity of the at least one medical condition.  
           [0076]    There is thus further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system employing at least one parameter relating at least to respiration of a patient for providing an indication relating to at least one medical condition, the system including:  
           [0077]    a mobile platform, and  
           [0078]    a medical care facility suitable for use by an operator other than a medical doctor, the medical care facility including:  
           [0079]    a medical data input interface providing the at least one medical parameter regarding a patient, and  
           [0080]    a medical parameter interpretation functionality receiving the at least one medical parameter regarding the patient and wherein the at least one medical parameter interpretation functionality includes:  
           [0081]    a medical condition diagnosis functionality for diagnosing the presence of the at least one medical condition, and  
           [0082]    a medical condition severity functionality indicating the degree of severity of the at least one medical condition.  
           [0083]    There is thus also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system employing at least one parameter relating at least to respiration of a patient for providing an indication relating to at least one medical condition, the system including:  
           [0084]    a medical data input interface adapted to provide the at least one medical parameter relating at least to respiration of the patient, and  
           [0085]    a medical parameter interpretation functionality receiving the at least one medical parameter regarding the patient, and wherein the at least one medical parameter interpretation functionality includes:  
           [0086]    a medical condition diagnosis functionality for diagnosing the presence of the at least one medical condition, and  
           [0087]    a medical condition severity functionality indicating the degree of severity of the at least one medical condition,  
           [0088]    and,  
           [0089]    a treatment control functionality for controlling the provision of at least one treatment to the patient in response to the degree of severity.  
           [0090]    There is thus further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system employing at least one parameter relating at least to respiration of a patient for providing an indication relating to at least one medical condition, the system including:  
           [0091]    a mobile platform, and  
           [0092]    a medical care facility suitable for use by an operator other than a medical doctor, the medical care facility including:  
           [0093]    a medical data input interface providing the at least one medical parameter regarding a patient, and  
           [0094]    a medical parameter interpretation functionality receiving the at least one medical parameter regarding the patient and wherein the at least one medical parameter interpretation functionality includes:  
           [0095]    a medical condition diagnosis functionality for diagnosing the presence of the at least one medical condition, and  
           [0096]    a medical condition severity functionality indicating the degree of severity of the at least one medical condition,  
           [0097]    and,  
           [0098]    a treatment control functionality for controlling the provision of at least one treatment to the patient in response to the degree of severity.  
           [0099]    There is thus also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, an emergency medical transport methodology including:  
           [0100]    transporting a patient on a mobile platform,  
           [0101]    interfacing the patient with a medical data interface which provides at least one medical parameter of the patient, and  
           [0102]    inputting the medical parameter to a medical parameter interpretation functionality, which interprets the at least one medical parameter and provides an output indication relating to a degree of severity of the at least one medical condition.  
           [0103]    There is thus also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of determining the degree of severity of at least one medical condition of a patient, the condition being associated with at least one medical parameter, including the steps of:  
           [0104]    interfacing the patient with a medical data interface which provides at least one medical parameter of the patient, and  
           [0105]    inputting the medical parameter to a medical parameter interpretation functionality, which interprets the at least one medical parameter and provides an output indication relating to a degree of severity of the at least one medical condition.  
           [0106]    There is thus also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling the provision of at least one treatment to a patient for at least one medical condition including the steps of:  
           [0107]    interfacing the patient with a medical data interface which provides at least one medical parameter of the patient,  
           [0108]    inputting the at least one medical parameter to a medical parameter interpretation functionality, which interprets the at least one medical parameter and provides an output indication, and  
           [0109]    controlling the provision of the at least one treatment in response to the output indication.  
           [0110]    There is thus further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of providing an output indication relating to at least one medical condition indicated by at least two medical parameters, including the steps of:  
           [0111]    interfacing the patient with a medical data interface which provides at least two medical parameters of the patient,  
           [0112]    inputting the at least two medical parameters to a medical parameter interpretation functionality, which interprets the at least two medical parameters and provides an output indication of the at least one medical condition.  
           [0113]    There is thus also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling the provision of at least one treatment for at least one medical condition to a patient including the steps of:  
           [0114]    interfacing the patient with a medical data interface which provides a plurality of medical parameters of the patient,  
           [0115]    inputting the medical parameters to a medical parameter interpretation functionality, which interprets the medical parameters and provides a plurality of output indications, and  
           [0116]    controlling the provision of the at least one treatment in response to changes in the relationship between the output indications.  
           [0117]    There is thus further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of providing an output indication regarding the clinical state for at least one medical condition of a patient, including the steps of:  
           [0118]    interfacing the patient with a medical data interface which provides a plurality of medical parameters regarding the patient, and  
           [0119]    inputting the plurality of medical parameters to a medical parameter interpretation functionality, which provides an output indication based on the relationship between the medical parameters.  
           [0120]    There is thus additionally provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling the provision of at least one treatment to a patient for at least one medical condition including the steps of;  
           [0121]    interfacing the patient with a medical data interface which provides a plurality of medical parameters of the patient,  
           [0122]    inputting the medical parameters to a medical parameter interpretation functionality,  
           [0123]    interpreting the medical parameters by the medical parameter interpretation functionality,  
           [0124]    providing a plurality of output indications by the medical parameter interpretation functionality, and  
           [0125]    inputting the output indications to a medical treatment control unit, which controls the at least one treatment in response to the relationship between the medical parameters.  
           [0126]    There is thus also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of providing an output indication relating to a degree of severity of at least one medical condition of a patient including the steps of:  
           [0127]    interfacing the patient with a medical data interface which provides a plurality of medical parameters regarding the patient, and  
           [0128]    inputting the medical parameters to a medical parameter interpretation functionality,  
           [0129]    interpreting the medical parameters by the medical parameter interpretation functionality,  
           [0130]    providing a plurality of output indications by the medical parameter interpretation functionality, and  
           [0131]    inputting the output indications to a medical parameter response unit which provides a response relating to a degree of severity of the at least one medical condition indicated by the plurality of medical parameters.  
           [0132]    There is thus also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of determining the degree of severity of at least one medical condition of a patient, the condition being associated with at least one medical parameter, including the steps of:  
           [0133]    interfacing the patient with a medical data interface which provides at least one medical parameter of the patient,  
           [0134]    inputting the medical parameter to a medical parameter interpretation functionality, which interprets the at least one medical parameter and provides an output indication relating to a degree of severity of the at least one medical condition, and  
           [0135]    medically treating the patient in accordance with the output indication.  
           [0136]    There is thus further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a medical care methodology employing at least one parameter relating at least to respiration for providing an indication relating to at least one medical condition, the method including:  
           [0137]    (i) monitoring the at least one parameter relating at least to respiration of a patient over a period of time by means of at least one monitoring device so as to provide at least one monitoring output,  
           [0138]    (ii) processing the at least one monitoring output so as to provide at least one corresponding processing output by means of a processor,  
           [0139]    (iii) displaying a first indication of the patient on a display responsive to the at least one corresponding processing output,  
           [0140]    (iv) medically treating the patient in accordance with the indication,  
           [0141]    (v) repeating the monitoring step (i) and processing step (ii), subsequent to the treatment so as to provide a difference in the at least one monitoring parameter,  
           [0142]    (vi) processing the difference in the at least one at least one monitoring parameter so as to provide at least one corresponding processing output of the difference, and,  
           [0143]    (vii) displaying a second indication of the patient on a display responsive to the at least one corresponding processing output of the difference.  
           [0144]    There is thus yet further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling the provision of at least one treatment to a patient for at least one medical condition including the steps of:  
           [0145]    interfacing the patient with a medical data interface which provides at least one medical parameter of the patient,  
           [0146]    inputting the at least one medical parameter to a medical parameter interpretation functionality, which interprets the at least one medical parameter and provides an output indication, and  
           [0147]    controlling the provision of the at least one treatment in response to the output indication.  
           [0148]    There is thus also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling the provision of at least one treatment for at least one medical condition to a patient including the steps of:  
           [0149]    interfacing the patient with a medical data interface which provides a plurality of medical parameters of the patient,  
           [0150]    inputting the medical parameters to a medical parameter interpretation functionality, which interprets the medical parameters and provides a plurality of output indications,  
           [0151]    controlling the provision of the at least one treatment in response to changes in the relationship between the output indications, and  
           [0152]    providing an update in a status of the patient responsive to the output indications.  
           [0153]    There is thus further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of providing an output indication regarding the clinical state for at least one medical condition of a patient, including the steps of:  
           [0154]    interfacing the patient with a medical data interface which provides a plurality of medical parameters regarding the patient,  
           [0155]    inputting the plurality of medical parameters to a medical parameter interpretation functionality, which provides the output indication based on the relationship between the medical parameters, and  
           [0156]    providing a treatment recommendation by means of a treatment recommendation functionality.  
           [0157]    There is thus further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling the provision of at least one treatment to a patient for at least one medical condition including the steps of:  
           [0158]    interfacing the patient with a medical data interface which provides a plurality of medical parameters of the patient,  
           [0159]    inputting the medical parameters to a medical parameter interpretation functionality, which interprets the medical parameters and provides a plurality of output indications,  
           [0160]    inputting the output indications to a medical treatment control unit, which controls the at least one treatment in response to the relationship between the medical parameters, and  
           [0161]    providing an update in a status of the patient responsive to the relationship between the medical parameters.  
           [0162]    There is thus yet further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of providing an output indication relating to a degree of severity of at least one medical condition of a patient including the steps of:  
           [0163]    interfacing the patient with a medical data interface which provides a plurality of medical parameters regarding the patient, and  
           [0164]    inputting the medical parameters to a medical parameter interpretation functionality, which interprets the medical parameters and provides a plurality of output indications,  
           [0165]    inputting the output indications to a medical parameter response unit which provides a response relating to a degree of severity of the at least one medical condition indicated by the plurality of medical parameters, and  
           [0166]    controlling the provision of at least one treatment in response to the degree of severity.  
           [0167]    There is thus also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer software product for determining the degree of severity of at least one medical condition of a patient, the condition being associated with at least one medical parameter, including a computer-readable medium in which program instructions are stored, which instructions, when read by a computer, cause the computer to:  
           [0168]    interface the patient with a medical data interface which provides at least one medical parameter of the patient, and  
           [0169]    input the medical parameter to a medical parameter interpretation functionality, which interprets the at least one medical parameter and provides an output indication relating to a degree of severity of the at least one medical condition.  
           [0170]    There is thus further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer software product for controlling the provision of at least one treatment to a patient including a computer-readable medium in which program instructions are stored, which instructions, when read by a computer, cause the computer to:  
           [0171]    interface the patient with a medical data interface which provides at least one medical parameter of the patient,  
           [0172]    input the medical parameter to a medical parameter interpretation functionality, which interprets the at least one medical parameter and provides an output indication, and  
           [0173]    control the provision of the at least one treatment in response to the output indication.  
           [0174]    There is thus further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer software product for providing an output indication relating to at least one medical condition of a patient indicated by at least two medical parameters, including a computer-readable medium in which program instructions are stored, which instructions, when read by a computer, cause the computer to:  
           [0175]    interface the patient with a medical data interface which provides at least two medical parameters of the patient,  
           [0176]    input the at least two medical parameters to a medical parameter interpretation functionality, which interprets the at least two medical parameters and provides an output indication of the at least one medical condition.  
           [0177]    There is thus further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer software product for controlling the provision of at least one treatment to a patient, including a computer-readable medium in which program instructions are stored, which instructions, when read by a computer, cause the computer to:  
           [0178]    interface the patient with a medical data interface which provides a plurality of medical parameters of the patient,  
           [0179]    input the medical parameters to a medical parameter interpretation functionality, which interprets the medical parameters and provides a plurality of output indications, and  
           [0180]    control the provision of the at least one treatment in response to changes in the relationship between the output indications.  
           [0181]    There is thus also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer software product for providing an output indication regarding the clinical state of a patient, including a computer-readable medium in which program instructions are stored, which instructions, when read by a computer, cause the computer to:  
           [0182]    interface the patient with a medical data interface which provides a plurality of medical parameters regarding the patient, and  
           [0183]    input the medical parameters to a medical parameter response unit, which providing the output indication based on the relationship between the medical parameters.  
           [0184]    There is thus further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer software product for controlling the provision of at least one treatment to a patient, including a computer-readable medium in which program instructions are stored, which instructions, when read by a computer, cause the computer to:  
           [0185]    interface the patient with a medical data interface which provides a plurality of medical parameters of the patient,  
           [0186]    input the medical parameters to a medical treatment control unit, which controls the at least one treatment in response to the relationship between the medical parameters.  
           [0187]    There is thus additionally provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer software product for providing an output indication relating to a degree of severity of at least one medical condition of a patient including a computer-readable medium in which program instructions are stored, which instructions, when read by a computer, cause the computer to:  
           [0188]    interface the patient with a medical data interface which provides a plurality of medical parameters regarding the patient, and  
           [0189]    input the medical parameters to a medical parameter response unit which provides an output indication relating to a degree of severity of the at least one medical condition indicated by the plurality of medical parameters.  
           [0190]    There is thus also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer software product for relating at least to respiration of a patient for providing an indication relating to at least one medical condition, including a computer-readable medium in which program instructions are stored, which instructions, when read by a computer, cause the computer to:  
           [0191]    provide the at least one medical parameter relating at least to respiration of the patient by means of a medical data input interface, and  
           [0192]    receive the at least one medical parameter regarding the patient by means of a medical parameter interpretation functionality, and,  
           [0193]    provide an output indication relating to a degree of severity of at least one medical condition indicated by the at least one medical parameter.  
           [0194]    There is thus also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer software product for providing an indication relating to at least one medical condition, including a computer-readable medium in which program instructions are stored, which instructions, when read by a computer, cause the computer to:  
           [0195]    (i) monitor at least one parameter relating at least to respiration of a patient over a period of time by means of at least one monitoring device so as to provide at least one monitoring output,  
           [0196]    (ii) process the at least one monitoring output so as to provide at least one corresponding processing output by means of a processor,  
           [0197]    (iii) display a first indication of the patient on a display responsive to the at least one corresponding processing output,  
           [0198]    (iv) medical treating the patient in accordance with the indication,  
           [0199]    (v) repeat the monitoring step (i) and processing step (ii), subsequent to the treatment so as to provide a difference in the at least one monitoring parameter,  
           [0200]    (vi) process the difference in the at least one at least one monitoring parameter so as to provide at least one corresponding processing output of the difference, and,  
           [0201]    (vii) display a second indication of the patient on a display responsive to the at least one corresponding processing output of the difference.  
           [0202]    There is thus also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer software product for controlling the provision of at least one treatment to a patient for at least one medical condition including a computer-readable medium in which program instructions are stored, which instructions, when read by a computer, cause the computer to:  
           [0203]    interface the patient with a medical data interface which provides at least one medical parameter of the patient,  
           [0204]    input the at least one medical parameter to a medical parameter interpretation functionality, which interprets the at least one medical parameter and provides an output indication, and  
           [0205]    control the provision of the at least one treatment in response to the output indication.  
           [0206]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the data input interface includes at least one monitoring device operative to continuously monitor the at least one medical parameter.  
           [0207]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the data input interface includes at least one monitoring device operative to continuously monitor the at least two medical parameters.  
           [0208]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the data input interface includes at least one monitoring device operative to continuously monitor the plurality of medical parameters.  
           [0209]    Preferably, the at least one monitoring device includes a capnograph.  
           [0210]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the at least one monitoring device is operative to collect a sample of expired air from the patient.  
           [0211]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the at least one monitoring device includes at least one of the following:  
           [0212]    an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring device,  
           [0213]    a blood pressure monitoring device,  
           [0214]    an electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring device,  
           [0215]    an NI blood pressure monitoring device,  
           [0216]    a respiratory rate monitoring device,  
           [0217]    a heart rate monitoring device,  
           [0218]    a systemic perfusion monitoring device, and  
           [0219]    an exhaled air monitoring device.  
           [0220]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the at least one monitoring device is operative to monitor at least one of:  
           [0221]    an expired air carbon dioxide concentration, and  
           [0222]    an expired air carbon dioxide profile parameter.  
           [0223]    Yet further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the at least one monitoring device is operative to monitor at least one of the following waveforms:  
           [0224]    a carbon dioxide waveform (capnogram),  
           [0225]    an EEG waveform, and  
           [0226]    an ECG waveform.  
           [0227]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the at least one monitoring device is adapted to digitize at least one of the waveforms.  
           [0228]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein at least one of:  
           [0229]    the at least one monitoring device, and  
           [0230]    the medical parameter interpretation functionality,  
           [0231]    is further operative to provide at least one of the following measurements:  
           [0232]    a slope of the increase in the carbon dioxide concentration,  
           [0233]    a run of time taken to reach 80% maximum exhaled CO 2  concentration, and  
           [0234]    an angle of rise to 80% maximum exhaled CO 2  concentration.  
           [0235]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein at least one of:  
           [0236]    the at least one monitoring device, and  
           [0237]    the medical parameter interpretation functionality,  
           [0238]    is further operative to a value of CAP-FEV1.  
           [0239]    Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the medical parameter interpretation functionality is further operative to provide an alert responsive to a measure of CAP-FEV1 being less than 50% of an expected value.  
           [0240]    Moreover, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the medical parameter interpretation functionality is further operative to provide an alert responsive to the run being greater than 0.3 seconds and the slope being less than 100 mm Hg/sec.  
           [0241]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the medical parameter interpretation functionality is further operative to provide an indication of at least one of:  
           [0242]    defective functioning of the monitoring device, and,  
           [0243]    defective placing of the monitoring device,  
           [0244]    responsive to a value of at least one of the measurements.  
           [0245]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the at least one medical parameter includes at least one of:  
           [0246]    an expired air carbon dioxide concentration, and  
           [0247]    an expired air carbon dioxide profile parameter.  
           [0248]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the at least one medical parameter includes at least one of:  
           [0249]    a visual parameter,  
           [0250]    a breathing parameter,  
           [0251]    an oxygen parameter,  
           [0252]    an ECG parameter,  
           [0253]    a heart function parameter,  
           [0254]    a neurological parameter,  
           [0255]    a blood pressure parameter, and  
           [0256]    an EEG parameter.  
           [0257]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the at least two medical parameters include at least one of:  
           [0258]    a visual parameter,  
           [0259]    a breathing parameter,  
           [0260]    an oxygen parameter,  
           [0261]    an ECG parameter,  
           [0262]    a heart function parameter,  
           [0263]    a neurological parameter,  
           [0264]    a blood pressure parameter, and  
           [0265]    an EEG parameter.  
           [0266]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the plurality of medical parameters includes at least one of:  
           [0267]    a visual parameter,  
           [0268]    a breathing parameter,  
           [0269]    an oxygen parameter,  
           [0270]    an ECG parameter,  
           [0271]    a heart function parameter,  
           [0272]    a neurological parameter,  
           [0273]    a blood pressure parameter, and  
           [0274]    an EEG parameter.  
           [0275]    Also, the visual parameter includes a visual appearance of the patient.  
           [0276]    Additionally, the breathing parameter includes at least one of:  
           [0277]    a respiratory rate of the patient,  
           [0278]    an FEV value, and  
           [0279]    an FVC value.  
           [0280]    Furthermore, the oxygen parameter includes at least one of:  
           [0281]    PO 2 , and  
           [0282]    SPO 2    
           [0283]    Preferably, the ECG parameter includes at least one of:  
           [0284]    a QRS parameter, and  
           [0285]    an ST segment.  
           [0286]    Typically, the heart function parameter includes a heart rate parameter.  
           [0287]    Generally, the neurological function parameter includes a reflex parameter.  
           [0288]    Also, the blood pressure parameter includes at least one of:  
           [0289]    a blood pressure measurement, and  
           [0290]    a systolic: diastolic ratio.  
           [0291]    Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the medical parameter interpretation functionality is operative to provide an indication of the patient&#39;s status being within a normal range if at least one of the following requirements is fulfilled:  
           [0292]    a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range,  
           [0293]    b) the respiratory rate is normal,  
           [0294]    c) CO 2  run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec,  
           [0295]    d) CO 2  slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec,  
           [0296]    e) SPO 2  is greater or equal to than 95%, and  
           [0297]    f) ETCO 2  is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg.  
           [0298]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the medical parameter response functionality is operative to provide an output indication responsive to a deviation from any one of the following requirements:  
           [0299]    a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range,  
           [0300]    b) the respiratory rate is normal,  
           [0301]    c) CO 2  run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec,  
           [0302]    d) CO 2  slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec,  
           [0303]    e) SPO 2  is greater or equal to than 95%, and  
           [0304]    f) ETCO 2  is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg.  
           [0305]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the medical treatment control functionality is operative to provide a treatment to the patient responsive to a deviation from any one of these requirements:  
           [0306]    a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range,  
           [0307]    b) the respiratory rate is normal,  
           [0308]    c) CO 2  run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec,  
           [0309]    d) CO 2  slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec,  
           [0310]    e) SPO 2  is greater or equal to than 95%, and  
           [0311]    f) ETCO 2  is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg.  
           [0312]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the medical parameter interpretation functionality is operative to provide an indication of the patient&#39;s status being within a normal range if all of the following requirements are fulfilled:  
           [0313]    a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range,  
           [0314]    b) the respiratory rate is normal,  
           [0315]    c) CO 2  run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec,  
           [0316]    d) CO 2  slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec,  
           [0317]    e) SPO 2  is greater or equal to than 95%, and  
           [0318]    f) ETCO 2  is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg.  
           [0319]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the medical parameter interpretation functionality includes:  
           [0320]    a medical condition diagnosis functionality for diagnosing the presence of the at least one medical condition, and  
           [0321]    a medical condition severity indication functionality for indicating the degree of severity of the at least one medical condition.  
           [0322]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the medical parameter interpretation functionality is operative to provide an indication of the patient&#39;s status being outside the normal range if any of the requirements are not fulfilled.  
           [0323]    Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the medical condition severity functionality is operative to provide an indication of the degree of severity of the at least one medical condition responsive to a degree of deviation of from at least one of the requirements.  
           [0324]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the medical condition diagnosis functionality is operative to diagnose a respiratory disorder.  
           [0325]    Moreover, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the medical condition diagnosis functionality is further operative to provide a diagnosis of a respiratory disorder responsive to any of the requirements not being fulfilled.  
           [0326]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the medical condition diagnosis functionality is further operative to provide a diagnosis of a severity of the respiratory disorder responsive to a quantitative measure of deviation of at least one parameter from at least one of the requirements.  
           [0327]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the respiratory disorder includes at least one of:  
           [0328]    a restrictive lung disease,  
           [0329]    bronchospasm,  
           [0330]    asthma,  
           [0331]    bronchitis,  
           [0332]    emphysema,  
           [0333]    a respiratory failure,  
           [0334]    fibrosis, and  
           [0335]    an upper airway obstructive disease.  
           [0336]    Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the medical condition diagnosis functionality is operative to provide a diagnosis of the restrictive lung disease responsive to at least one of the following cases:  
           [0337]    the run is greater or equal to 0.3 sec, or  
           [0338]    the slope is less than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec.  
           [0339]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the medical condition diagnosis functionality is operative to provide a diagnosis of the obstructive lung disease responsive to at least one of the following cases:  
           [0340]    the run is less than 0.3 sec, or  
           [0341]    the slope is more than 100 nm Hg/sec.  
           [0342]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the medical condition diagnosis functionality is further operative to provide a diagnosis of a heart disorder responsive to any of the requirements not being fulfilled.  
           [0343]    Yet further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the medical condition diagnosis functionality is further operative to provide a diagnosis of a heart failure if the following requirements are fulfilled:  
           [0344]    CAP-FEV1 is less than or equal to a 40:10 point ratio,  
           [0345]    a normal CAP-FEV1/FVC ratio,  
           [0346]    CO 2  run is less than 0.3 sec, and  
           [0347]    CO 2  slope is more than 100 mm Hg/sec.  
           [0348]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the medical condition diagnosis functionality is further operative to provide a diagnosis of a severity of the heart disorder responsive to a quantitative measure of a deviation from any of the requirements.  
           [0349]    Moreover, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the medical parameter interpretation functionality is operative to provide a recommendation to perform at least one of the following treatments responsive to the indication:  
           [0350]    intubation of the patient,  
           [0351]    hospitalization of the patient,  
           [0352]    treat the patient with medication, and  
           [0353]    transfer of the patient to an intensive care unit.  
           [0354]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the medical parameter interpretation functionality is operative to provide the at least one output indication responsive to a pattern of changes in the at least one medical parameter over time.  
           [0355]    Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the medical parameter interpretation functionality is further operative to provide an output indication responsive to a pattern of changes in the degree of severity of the at least one medical condition over time.  
           [0356]    Yet further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the medical parameter interpretation functionality is operative to provide the plurality of output indications responsive to a pattern of changes in the plurality of medical parameters over time.  
           [0357]    Still further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the medical parameter interpretation functionality is further operative to provide the plurality of output indications responsive to a pattern of changes in the degree of severity of the at least one medical condition over time.  
           [0358]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system which also includes a treatment recommendation functionality.  
           [0359]    Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the treatment recommendation functionality is operative to recommend treatment responsive to the location of the patient.  
           [0360]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the treatment recommendation functionality is operative to recommend treatment responsive to a change in at least one of the following:  
           [0361]    a change in the run,  
           [0362]    a change in the ETCO 2 ,  
           [0363]    a change in the slope,  
           [0364]    a change in the angle of rise of CO 2 , and  
           [0365]    a change in the SPO 2 .  
           [0366]    Yet further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the treatment recommendation functionality is responsive to a pattern of changes in the degree of severity of the at least one medical condition over time.  
           [0367]    Still further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the treatment recommendation functionality is operative to provide an alert if at least one of the following requirements is fulfilled:  
           [0368]    a change in the run of more than 0.1 s,  
           [0369]    a change in the slope is more negative than −15 mm Hg/sec, and  
           [0370]    a change in the SPO 2  is more negative than −5%.  
           [0371]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the treatment recommendation functionality is operative to provide a recommendation for at least one of the following treatments responsive to at least one of the requirements:  
           [0372]    intubation of the patient,  
           [0373]    hospitalization of the patient,  
           [0374]    treat the patient with intravenous medication, and  
           [0375]    transfer of the patient to an intensive care unit.  
           [0376]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the treatment recommendation functionality is operative to provide a recommendation to perform at least one of:  
           [0377]    continue monitoring, and  
           [0378]    continue treating the patient if at least one of the following conditions is fulfilled:  
           [0379]    a change in the run is less negative or equal to −0.1 s but less positive or equal to 0.1 s,  
           [0380]    a change in the slope is less negative or equal to −15 Hg/sec, but less positive or equal to +15 mm Hg/sec, and  
           [0381]    a change in the SPO 2  is less negative or equal to −5%, but less positive or equal to +5%.  
           [0382]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the treatment recommendation functionality is operative to perform at least one of the following:  
           [0383]    provide a message indicative of an improvement in the patient&#39;s status, and  
           [0384]    recommend discontinuing a treatment procedure, if at least one of the following conditions is fulfilled:  
           [0385]    a change in the run is more negative than −0.1 s,  
           [0386]    a change in the slope is more positive than +15 mm Hg/sec, and  
           [0387]    a change in the SPO 2  is more positive than 5%.  
           [0388]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the treatment recommendation functionality is operative to provide a recommendation to continue monitoring the patient responsive to the pattern of changes indicating at least one of:  
           [0389]    a deterioration in the status of the patient, and,  
           [0390]    a non-significant change in the status of the patient.  
           [0391]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the treatment recommendation functionality is operative to provide a recommendation to stop monitoring the patient responsive to a pattern of changes indicating an improvement in the status of the patient.  
           [0392]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the treatment recommendation functionality is additionally responsive to information regarding other treatment received by the patient.  
           [0393]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system including a treatment control functionality for controlling the provision of at least one treatment to a patient.  
           [0394]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the at least one treatment includes at least one of:  
           [0395]    intubation of the patient,  
           [0396]    hospitalization of the patient,  
           [0397]    treat the patient with medication, and  
           [0398]    transfer of the patient to an intensive care unit.  
           [0399]    Yet further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the treatment control functionality is responsive to a pattern of changes in the at least one medical parameter over time.  
           [0400]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the treatment control functionality is responsive to a pattern of changes in the degree of severity of the at least one medical condition over time.  
           [0401]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the treatment control functionality is additionally responsive to information regarding other treatment received by the patient.  
           [0402]    Still further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the treatment control functionality controls the provision of the at least one treatment to the patient in response to changes in the at least output indication over time.  
           [0403]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the at least one medical parameter includes a plurality of medical parameters.  
           [0404]    Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein at least two medical parameters include a plurality of medical parameters.  
           [0405]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the plurality of medical parameters includes at least two of CO 2 , ECG, SPO 2 , PO 2 , NIBP and spirometry parameters.  
           [0406]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the output indication relating to a degree of severity of at least one medical condition is determined at least partially by changes in the at least one medical parameter.  
           [0407]    Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system wherein the at least one medical parameter includes a plurality of medical parameters.  
           [0408]    Also, the at least one medical parameter preferably includes a plurality of medical parameters.  
           [0409]    Yet further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system and also including a transmitter functionality adapted to convey the output indication to a remote location.  
           [0410]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system further operative to provide a treatment responsive to at least one of:  
           [0411]    the output indication, and  
           [0412]    the remote location.  
           [0413]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport facility and wherein the medical parameter interpretation functionality includes:  
           [0414]    a medical condition diagnosis functionality for diagnosing the presence of the at least one medical condition, and  
           [0415]    a medical condition severity functionality indicating the degree of severity of the at least one medical condition.  
           [0416]    Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport facility wherein the medical parameter interpretation functionality provides an output indication responsive to a pattern of changes in the at least one medical parameter over time.  
           [0417]    Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport facility wherein the medical parameter interpretation functionality provides an output indication responsive to a pattern of changes in the degree of severity of the at least one medical condition over time.  
           [0418]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport facility also including treatment recommendation functionality.  
           [0419]    Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport facility wherein the treatment recommendation functionality is responsive to a pattern of changes in the at least one medical parameter over time.  
           [0420]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport facility wherein the treatment recommendation functionality is responsive to a pattern of changes in the degree of severity of the at least one medical condition over time.  
           [0421]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport facility wherein the treatment recommendation functionality is additionally responsive to information regarding other treatment received by the patient.  
           [0422]    Moreover, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport facility which includes a treatment control functionality for controlling the provision of at least one treatment to a patient.  
           [0423]    Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport facility wherein the treatment control functionality is responsive to a pattern of changes in the at least one medical parameter over time.  
           [0424]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport facility wherein the treatment control functionality is responsive to a pattern of changes in the degree of severity of the at least one medical condition over time.  
           [0425]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport facility wherein the treatment control functionality is additionally responsive to information regarding other treatment received by the patient.  
           [0426]    Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport facility wherein the at least one medical parameter includes a plurality of medical parameters.  
           [0427]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport facility wherein the plurality of medical parameters includes at least two of CO 2 , ECG, SPO 2 , PO 2 , NIBP, EEG and spirometry parameters.  
           [0428]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport facility wherein the output indication relating to a degree of severity of at least one medical condition is determined at least partially by changes in at least one medical parameter.  
           [0429]    Yet further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport facility which also includes a transmitter functionality for conveying the output indication to a remote location.  
           [0430]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport facility wherein the treatment control functionality controls the provision of the at least one treatment to a patient in response to changes in the output indication over time.  
           [0431]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein the at least one medical parameter includes at least one of:  
           [0432]    an expired air carbon dioxide concentration, and  
           [0433]    an expired air carbon dioxide profile parameter.  
           [0434]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein the at least two medical parameters include at least one of:  
           [0435]    an expired air carbon dioxide concentration, and  
           [0436]    an expired air carbon dioxide profile parameter.  
           [0437]    Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein the plurality of parameters includes at least one of:  
           [0438]    an expired air carbon dioxide concentration, and  
           [0439]    an expired air carbon dioxide profile parameter.  
           [0440]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein interfacing the patient includes monitoring the patient by means of at least one of:  
           [0441]    a monitoring device, and  
           [0442]    the medical parameter interpretation functionality.  
           [0443]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein monitoring the patient includes monitoring by means of at least one of the following:  
           [0444]    an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring device,  
           [0445]    a blood pressure monitoring device,  
           [0446]    an electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring device,  
           [0447]    an NI blood pressure monitoring device,  
           [0448]    a respiratory rate monitoring device,  
           [0449]    a heart rate monitoring device,  
           [0450]    a methodic perfusion monitoring device, and  
           [0451]    an exhaled air monitoring device.  
           [0452]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein monitoring includes monitoring at least one of the following waveforms:  
           [0453]    a carbon dioxide waveform (capnogram),  
           [0454]    an EEG waveform, and  
           [0455]    an ECG waveform.  
           [0456]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein the monitoring includes analyzing a sample of expired air from the patient by a capnograph.  
           [0457]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein analyzing the sample includes digitizing at least one of the waveforms.  
           [0458]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein monitoring the patient includes providing at least one of the following measurements:  
           [0459]    a slope of the increase in the carbon dioxide concentration,  
           [0460]    a run of time taken to reach 80% maximum exhaled CO 2  concentration, and  
           [0461]    an angle of rise to 80% maximum exhaled CO 2  concentration.  
           [0462]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein providing the output includes indicating at least one of:  
           [0463]    defective functioning of the monitoring device, and,  
           [0464]    defective placing of the monitoring device,  
           [0465]    responsive to a value of at least one of the measurements.  
           [0466]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein monitoring the patient includes providing a value of CAP-FEV1.  
           [0467]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method including providing an alert responsive to a measure of CAP-FEV1 being less than 50% of an expected value.  
           [0468]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein analyzing the sample includes providing responsive to at least one of:  
           [0469]    the run being greater than 0.3 seconds, or  
           [0470]    the slope being less than 100 mm Hg/sec.  
           [0471]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein the at least one medical parameter includes at least one of:  
           [0472]    a visual parameter,  
           [0473]    a breathing parameter,  
           [0474]    an oxygen parameter,  
           [0475]    an ECG parameter,  
           [0476]    a heart function parameter,  
           [0477]    a neurological parameter,  
           [0478]    a blood pressure parameter, and  
           [0479]    an EEG parameter.  
           [0480]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein the at least two medical parameters include at least one of:  
           [0481]    a visual parameter,  
           [0482]    a breathing parameter,  
           [0483]    an oxygen parameter,  
           [0484]    an ECG parameter,  
           [0485]    a heart function parameter,  
           [0486]    a neurological parameter,  
           [0487]    a blood pressure parameter, and  
           [0488]    an EEG parameter.  
           [0489]    Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein the plurality of medical parameters include at least one of:  
           [0490]    a visual parameter,  
           [0491]    a breathing parameter,  
           [0492]    an oxygen parameter,  
           [0493]    an ECG parameter,  
           [0494]    a heart function parameter,  
           [0495]    a neurological parameter,  
           [0496]    a blood pressure parameter, and  
           [0497]    an EEG parameter.  
           [0498]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method further including providing an indication of a status of the patient as being within a normal range if at least one of the following requirements is fulfilled:  
           [0499]    a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range,  
           [0500]    b) the respiratory rate is normal,  
           [0501]    c) CO 2  run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec,  
           [0502]    d) CO 2  slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec,  
           [0503]    e) SPO 2  is greater or equal to than 95%, and  
           [0504]    f) ETCO 2  is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg.  
           [0505]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein providing the indication of the patient&#39;s status being within the normal range if all of the following requirements are fulfilled:  
           [0506]    a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range,  
           [0507]    b) the respiratory rate is normal,  
           [0508]    c) CO 2  run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec,  
           [0509]    d) CO 2  slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec,  
           [0510]    e) SPO 2  is greater or equal to than 95%, and  
           [0511]    f) ETCO 2  is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg.  
           [0512]    Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method including:  
           [0513]    diagnosing a presence of the at least one medical condition by a medical condition diagnosis functionality, and  
           [0514]    indicating a degree of severity of the at least one medical condition by a medical condition severity indication functionality  
           [0515]    Yet further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method including providing an indication of the patient&#39;s status being outside the normal range if any of the requirements are not fulfilled.  
           [0516]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein including indicating the degree of severity of the at least one medical condition responsive to a degree of deviation from of any of the requirements.  
           [0517]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein diagnosing the presence of the at least one medical condition includes diagnosing a respiratory disorder.  
           [0518]    Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein diagnosing the respiratory disorder includes providing a diagnosis of a severity of the respiratory disorder responsive to a quantitative measure of deviation from at least one of the requirements.  
           [0519]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein the respiratory disorder includes at least one of:  
           [0520]    a restrictive lung disease,  
           [0521]    bronchospasm,  
           [0522]    asthma,  
           [0523]    bronchitis,  
           [0524]    emphysema,  
           [0525]    a respiratory failure,  
           [0526]    fibrosis, and  
           [0527]    an upper airway obstructive disease.  
           [0528]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein indicating the degree of severity includes providing a diagnosis of the restrictive lung disease responsive to at least one of the following cases:  
           [0529]    the run is greater than 0.3 sec, or  
           [0530]    the slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec.  
           [0531]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein indicating the degree of severity includes providing a diagnosis of the obstructive lung disease responsive to at least one of the following cases:  
           [0532]    the run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec, or  
           [0533]    the slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec.  
           [0534]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein providing the indication includes providing a diagnosis of a heart disorder responsive to any of the requirements not being fulfilled.  
           [0535]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method including providing a diagnosis of a heart failure if the following conditions are fulfilled:  
           [0536]    CAP-FEV1 is less than or equal to a 40:10 point ratio,  
           [0537]    a normal CAP-FEV1/FVC ratio,  
           [0538]    CO 2  run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec, and  
           [0539]    CO 2  slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec.  
           [0540]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein providing an indication includes providing a diagnosis of a severity of the heart disorder.  
           [0541]    Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein providing an output indication includes providing a plurality of output indications.  
           [0542]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein providing a plurality of output indications includes providing at least one recommendation to perform at least one of the following treatments:  
           [0543]    intubation of the patient,  
           [0544]    hospitalization of the patient,  
           [0545]    treat the patient with medication, and  
           [0546]    transfer of the patient to an intensive care unit.  
           [0547]    Typically the visual parameter includes a visual appearance of the patient. Generally the breathing parameter includes at least one of:  
           [0548]    a respiratory rate of the patient,  
           [0549]    an FEV value, and  
           [0550]    an FVC value.  
           [0551]    Normally, the oxygen parameter includes at least one of:  
           [0552]    PO 2 , and  
           [0553]    SPO 2 .  
           [0554]    Generally, the ECG parameter includes at least one of:  
           [0555]    a QRS parameter, and  
           [0556]    an ST segment.  
           [0557]    Preferably, the heart function parameter ncludes a heart rate parameter.  
           [0558]    Typically, the neurological function parameter includes a reflex parameter.  
           [0559]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein the blood pressure parameter includes at least one of:  
           [0560]    a blood pressure measurement, and  
           [0561]    a systolic:diastolic ratio.  
           [0562]    Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method including providing the output indication responsive to a pattern of changes in the at least one medical parameter over time.  
           [0563]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein the output indication is responsive to a pattern of changes in the at least two medical parameters over time.  
           [0564]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method providing the output indication responsive to a pattern of changes in the plurality of medical parameters over time.  
           [0565]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method including providing an output indication responsive to a pattern of changes in the degree of severity of the at least one medical condition over time.  
           [0566]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method including providing a treatment recommendation by means of a treatment recommendation functionality.  
           [0567]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein providing the treatment recommendation is responsive to a pattern of changes of at least one medical parameter over time.  
           [0568]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein providing the treatment recommendation is responsive to the location of the patient.  
           [0569]    Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein the pattern of changes includes a change in at least one of the following:  
           [0570]    a change in a run,  
           [0571]    a change in an ETCO 2 ,  
           [0572]    a change in a slope,  
           [0573]    a change in an angle of rise of CO 2 , and  
           [0574]    a change in an SPO 2 .  
           [0575]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein providing the treatment recommendation is responsive to a pattern of changes in the degree of severity of the at least one medical condition over time.  
           [0576]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein providing the treatment recommendation includes providing an alert if at least one of the following conditions is fulfilled:  
           [0577]    a change in the run of more than 0.1 s,  
           [0578]    a change in the slope is more negative than −15 mm Hg/sec, and  
           [0579]    a change in the SPO 2  is more negative than −5%.  
           [0580]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein providing the treatment recommendation includes providing a recommendation for at least one of the following treatments:  
           [0581]    intubation of the patient,  
           [0582]    hospitalization of the patient,  
           [0583]    treat the patient with intravenous medication, and  
           [0584]    transfer of the patient to an intensive care unit.  
           [0585]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein providing the treatment includes providing a recommendation to perform at least one of:  
           [0586]    continue monitoring the patient, and  
           [0587]    continue treating the patient,  
           [0588]    provided at least one of the following conditions is fulfilled:  
           [0589]    a change in the run is less negative or equal to −0.1 s but less positive or equal to 0.1 s,  
           [0590]    a change in the slope is less negative or equal to −15, Hg/sec, but less positive or equal to +15 mm Hg/sec, and  
           [0591]    a change in the SPO 2  is less negative or equal to −5%, but less positive or equal to +5%.  
           [0592]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein providing the treatment includes at least one of the following:  
           [0593]    providing a message indicative of an improvement in the patient&#39;s status, and  
           [0594]    recommending discontinuing a treatment procedure, if at least one of the following conditions is fulfilled:  
           [0595]    a change in the run is more negative than −0.1 s,  
           [0596]    a change in the slope is more positive than +15 mm Hg/sec, and  
           [0597]    a change in the SPO 2  is more positive than 5%.  
           [0598]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein providing the treatment includes providing a recommendation to continue monitoring the patient responsive to the pattern of changes indicating at least one of:  
           [0599]    a deterioration in the status of the patient, and,  
           [0600]    a non-significant change in the status of the patient.  
           [0601]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein providing the treatment includes providing a recommendation to stop monitoring the patient responsive to the pattern of changes indicating an improvement in the status of the patient.  
           [0602]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method including providing at least one of the following treatments to the patient:  
           [0603]    intubation of the patient,  
           [0604]    hospitalization of the patient,  
           [0605]    treat the patient with medication, and  
           [0606]    transfer of the patient to an intensive care unit.  
           [0607]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein controlling the provision of at least one treatment includes responding to a pattern of changes in the degree of severity of the at least one medical condition over time.  
           [0608]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein the treatment control functionality is additionally responds to information regarding other treatment received by the patient.  
           [0609]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein the at least one medical parameter includes a plurality of parameters.  
           [0610]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein the at least two medical parameters include a plurality of parameters.  
           [0611]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein the plurality of medical parameters includes at least two of CO 2 , ECG, SPO 2 , PO 2 , NIBP and spirometry parameters.  
           [0612]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein the output indication relating to the degree of severity of the at least one medical condition is determined at least partially by changes in the at least one medical parameter.  
           [0613]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method including conveying the output indication to a remote location by means of a transmitter functionality.  
           [0614]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method including conveying the plurality of output indications to a remote location by means of a transmitter functionality.  
           [0615]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method wherein the treatment control functionality controls the provision of the at least one treatment to a patient in response to changes in the output indication over time.  
           [0616]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport methodology wherein interpreting the at least one medical parameter includes:  
           [0617]    diagnosing the presence of at least one medical condition by means of a medical condition diagnosis functionality, and  
           [0618]    indicating the degree of severity of the at least one medical condition by means of a medical condition severity functionality.  
           [0619]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport methodology including providing an output indication responsive to a pattern of changes in the at least one medical parameter over time by means of the medical parameter interpretation functionality.  
           [0620]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport methodology including providing an output indication responsive to a pattern of changes in the degree of severity of the at least one medical condition over time.  
           [0621]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport methodology including providing a treatment recommendation by means of a treatment recommendation functionality.  
           [0622]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport methodology wherein the treatment recommendation functionality is responsive to a pattern of changes in the at least one medical parameter over time.  
           [0623]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport methodology wherein the treatment recommendation functionality is responsive to a pattern of changes in the degree of severity of the at least one medical condition over time.  
           [0624]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport methodology wherein the treatment recommendation functionality is additionally responsive to information regarding other treatment received by the patient.  
           [0625]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport methodology wherein including treatment control functionality for controlling the provision of at least one treatment to the patient.  
           [0626]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport methodology wherein the treatment control functionality is responsive to a pattern of changes in the at least one medical parameter over time.  
           [0627]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport methodology wherein the treatment control functionality is responsive to a pattern of changes in the degree of severity of the at least one medical condition over time.  
           [0628]    Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport methodology wherein the treatment control functionality is additionally responsive to information regarding other treatment received by the patient.  
           [0629]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport methodology wherein the at least one medical parameter includes a plurality of medical parameters.  
           [0630]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport methodology wherein the plurality of medical parameters includes at least two of CO 2 , ECG, SPO 2 , PO 2 , NIBP, EEG and spirometry parameters.  
           [0631]    Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport methodology wherein the output indication relating to a degree of severity of at least one medical condition is determined at least partially by changes in at least one medical parameter.  
           [0632]    Yet further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport methodology including a transmitter functionality for conveying the output indication to a remote location.  
           [0633]    Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport methodology wherein the treatment control functionality controls the provision of the at least one treatment to a patient in response to changes in the output indication over time.  
           [0634]    Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency medical transport methodology wherein the treatment control functionality controls the provision of the at least one treatment to a patient in response to the location of the patient.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0635]    The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:  
         [0636]    [0636]FIGS. 1A, 1B and  1 C are simplified pictorial illustrations showing a medical care system and methodology employing at least one parameter relating at least to respiration for automatically providing an output indication relating to at least one medical condition in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in three different types of care environments;  
         [0637]    [0637]FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1C;  
         [0638]    [0638]FIG. 3 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an on-scene environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of a spontaneously breathing patient;  
         [0639]    [0639]FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 3;  
         [0640]    [0640]FIG. 5 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an on-scene environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of mechanically ventilated patients;  
         [0641]    [0641]FIGS. 6A and 6B are flowcharts illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 5;  
         [0642]    [0642]FIG. 7 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an ambulance environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of spontaneously breathing patients;  
         [0643]    [0643]FIGS. 8A and 8B are flowcharts illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 7;  
         [0644]    [0644]FIG. 9 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an ambulance environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of mechanically ventilated patients;  
         [0645]    [0645]FIGS. 10A, 10B and  10 C are a flowcharts illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 9;  
         [0646]    [0646]FIG. 11 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an ambulance environment for detecting the severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of spontaneously breathing patients;  
         [0647]    [0647]FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 11;  
         [0648]    [0648]FIG. 13 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an ambulance environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of mechanically ventilated patients;  
         [0649]    [0649]FIGS. 14A and 14B are flowcharts illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 13;  
         [0650]    [0650]FIG. 15 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for distinguishing between heart failure and emphysema, where emphysema is present;  
         [0651]    [0651]FIGS. 16A and 16B are flowcharts illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 15;  
         [0652]    [0652]FIG. 17 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for monitoring intubation status of a patient;  
         [0653]    [0653]FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 17;  
         [0654]    [0654]FIG. 19 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for monitoring respiratory status of a patient in a first clinical scenario;  
         [0655]    [0655]FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 19;  
         [0656]    [0656]FIGS. 21A and 21B are simplified pictorial illustrations of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for monitoring intubation status of a patient in a second clinical scenario;  
         [0657]    [0657]FIGS. 22A, 22B and  22 C are flowcharts illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 21A and 21B;  
         [0658]    [0658]FIGS. 23A and 23B are simplified pictorial illustrations of a diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a physician&#39;s office environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of a spontaneously breathing patient in a first clinical scenario;  
         [0659]    [0659]FIGS. 24A and 24B are flowcharts illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 23A and 23B;  
         [0660]    [0660]FIGS. 25A and 25B are simplified pictorial illustrations of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a physician&#39;s office environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of a spontaneously breathing patient in a second clinical scenario;  
         [0661]    [0661]FIGS. 26A and 26B are flowcharts illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 25A and 25B,  
         [0662]    [0662]FIGS. 27A and 27B are simplified pictorial illustrations of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an ambulance environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm from an allergic reaction, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition;  
         [0663]    [0663]FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 27A and 27B;  
         [0664]    [0664]FIG. 29 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an ambulance environment for distinguishing between upper airway obstruction and lower airway obstruction, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition;  
         [0665]    [0665]FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 29;  
         [0666]    [0666]FIG. 31 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for distinguishing between heart failure and emphysema in a scenario in which heart failure is present;  
         [0667]    [0667]FIGS. 32A and 32B are flowcharts illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 31;  
         [0668]    [0668]FIG. 33 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for treating pulmonary edema;  
         [0669]    [0669]FIGS. 34A and 34B are flowcharts illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 33;  
         [0670]    [0670]FIG. 35 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for anesthesia monitoring;  
         [0671]    [0671]FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 35;  
         [0672]    [0672]FIG. 37 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary embolism;  
         [0673]    [0673]FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 37;  
         [0674]    [0674]FIGS. 39A and 39B are simplified pictorial illustrations of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for determination of correct nasogastric tube placement;  
         [0675]    [0675]FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 39A and 39B;  
         [0676]    [0676]FIG. 41 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for diagnosis and treatment of myocardial infarction;  
         [0677]    [0677]FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 41;  
         [0678]    [0678]FIG. 43 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for diagnosis and treatment of cardiogenic shock;  
         [0679]    [0679]FIG. 44 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 43;  
         [0680]    [0680]FIG. 45 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrest;  
         [0681]    [0681]FIG. 46 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 45;  
         [0682]    [0682]FIG. 47 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for diagnosis and treatment of cardiac ischemia;  
         [0683]    [0683]FIG. 48 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 47;  
         [0684]    [0684]FIG. 49 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for monitoring sedation; and  
         [0685]    [0685]FIG. 50 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 49;  
         [0686]    [0686]FIG. 51 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for drug titration during sedation; and  
         [0687]    [0687]FIG. 52 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 51. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0688]    Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A, 1B and  1 C, which are simplified pictorial illustrations showing a medical care system and methodology employing at least one parameter relating at least to respiration for automatically providing an output indication relating to at least one medical condition in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in three different types of care environments.  
         [0689]    Turning to FIG. 1A, it is seen that in an out of hospital environment, such as a doctor&#39;s office or other ambulatory care facility, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  100 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  102 , such as a Microcap®, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. electrocardiogram (ECG)), cerebral perfusion (e.g. CEREBRAL OXIMETRY), oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. . . . blood pressure (NIBP)), may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  104 .  
         [0690]    The outputs of the capnograph  102  and possibly of additional instrumentation  104  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  110 , which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  102 , and also typically has an associated display  112 , the display being at least one of a visual display, such as a computer screen, a virtual display, or a printed form of a display. Optionally further physiologic activities are outputted from capnograph  102  and instrumentation  104 , and provided as outputs via computer  110  and display  112 , which preferably contain diagnostic statements, which preferably characterize the type and severity of a medical condition, as well as treatment recommendations.  
         [0691]    Turning to FIG. 1B, it is seen that in an ambulance environment, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  100 , such as a such as a Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  113 , such as a Microcap®, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), cerebral perfusion (e.g. CEREBRAL OXIMETRY), oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  114 .  
         [0692]    The outputs of the capnograph  113  and possibly of additional instrumentation  114  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  116 , having an associated display  118 , which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  113  and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains diagnostic statements, which preferably characterize the type and severity of a medical condition, as well as treatment recommendations.  
         [0693]    Preferably some or all of the outputs of computer  116  are transmitted in a wireless manner by a transmitter  119 , such as via radio or a cellular telephone link, preferably to a dispatch center or patient receiving facility.  
         [0694]    Turning to FIG. 1C, it is seen that in a hospital environment, such as an emergency department, medical ward or intensive care unit (ICU), various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  120 , such as a Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  122 , such as a Microcap®, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), cerebral perfusion (e.g. CEREBRAL OXIMETRY), oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  124 .  
         [0695]    The outputs of the capnograph  122  and possibly of additional instrumentation  124  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  126  at the patient&#39;s bedside and/or at a central monitoring station, having an associated display  128 , which typically continuously analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  122  and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains diagnostic statements, which preferably characterize the type and severity of a medical condition, as well as treatment recommendations.  
         [0696]    Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1C.  
         [0697]    In a sensing stage, the patient&#39;s physiologic activity preferably is monitored by collecting an expired air sample via cannula  100 , and conveying the sample to an analyzer, integrally part of a capnograph, such as capnograph  102  (FIG. 1A),  113  (FIG. 1B), and  122  (FIG. 1C). Simultaneously, some of the patient&#39;s other physiological parameters may be sensed, sampled and monitored employing suitable instrumentation  104  (FIG. 1A),  114  (FIG. 1B), and  124  (FIG. 1C). These parameters include, but are not limited to, cardiac activity, ventilation and systemic and cerebral perfusion, and oxygenation parameters.  
         [0698]    Data including the parameters monitored and sampled by, for example, instrumentation  104  are relayed to computer  110 . The measured patient parameters are analyzed by computer  110  and advisory statements, preferably including at least one of diagnostic statements as to the character and severity of a medical condition and therapeutic recommendations may be displayed on a display  112 , or transmitted to a remote location. Changes in the measured patient parameters are recorded over time by computer  110  and the resulting trends may be displayed on display  112  or transmitted. The trends may also be employed for generating trend based advisory statements, preferably including at least one of diagnostic statements as to the character and severity of a medical condition and therapeutic recommendations.  
         [0699]    Typically, the exhaled carbon dioxide of the patient is measured continuously over thirty seconds by capnograph  102 . Additionally or alternatively, patient may be measured for shorter or longer durations. The end tidal value of the exhaled carbon dioxide (ETCO 2 ) profile is digitized as a waveform and may be stored for analysis in the memory of suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  110 . Additionally or alternatively, the waveform may be stored and analyzed by other means,  
         [0700]    Thereafter, in an analyzing stage, the measured patient parameters, such as the limits of inspiration and expiration are delineated and/or marked on computer  110 . The initial slope in the increase of the exhaled carbon dioxide concentration up to 80% of the maximum (henceforth designated as “slope”) and angle of rise up to 80% of the maximum carbon dioxide exhaled are measured.  
         [0701]    In a rule application step, the following rules defining the patient status preferably are applied by computer  110 , for example, to the CO 2  profile measured by capnograph  102 :  
         [0702]    If:  
         [0703]    a) the time duration to reach 80% of the maximum CO 2  concentration (designated henceforth as “run” or “CO 2  run”) is greater than 0.3 seconds; and,  
         [0704]    b) the slope of the increase in concentration of CO 2  is less than 100 mm Hg/sec (designated henceforth as “slope” or “CO 2  slope”);  
         [0705]    then: an alert signal such as “ALERT: BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” or “ALERT: ASTHMA PATIENT” is displayed on display  112  associated with computer  110 .  
         [0706]    If the patient is an asthma patient according to the definition of the previous step, then the patient receives the appropriate treatment. Thereafter, a second set of exhaled carbon dioxide profile measurements are taken by capnograph  102 , and the differences between the initial measurements and these second set of measurements are computed by computer  110 . The following decision rule is preferably applied:  
         [0707]    If:  
         [0708]    a) the difference in the run is less than 0.1 sec; and  
         [0709]    b) the difference in the slope is less than +15 mm Hg/sec;  
         [0710]    then,  
         [0711]    a message is displayed on display  112  such as “ADMIT PATIENT TO HOSPITAL”. Additionally or alternatively, further tests may be performed for checking the severity of the patient&#39;s condition as are described hereinbelow.  
         [0712]    If the patient is not yet in hospital, as is portrayed in FIGS. 1A and 1B, then a typical message is “ADMIT TO HOSPITAL”. Whereas, if the patient is already in the hospital environment (FIG. 1C), a typical message is “PATIENT REQUIRES URGENT TREATMENT BY PHYSICIAN.” Additionally or alternatively, further tests may be performed for checking the severity of the patient&#39;s condition as are described hereinbelow.  
         [0713]    If the values of the difference in the run and the difference in the slope are beyond those of the decision rule, then another message may be displayed such as “PATIENT IMPROVING” on display  112 .  
         [0714]    Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an on-scene environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of the patient. As seen in FIG. 3, in an on scene environment, such as at a patient&#39;s home, after a patient calls EMS after having sensed shortness of breath, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  130 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  132 , such as a Microcap®, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  134 , a finger sensor  136 , a forehead/scalp sensor  138 , cannula  130  and a blood pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer)  140  respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  154 .  
         [0715]    The outputs of the capnograph  132  and preferably of additional instrumentation  154  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  144 , having an associated display  146 , which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  132 , and preferably other physiologic activities and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here “ALERT: MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT”. The severity of the patient&#39;s condition is defined by measured parameters as described hereinbelow.  
         [0716]    The patient is preferably given breathing treatment, such as a beta agonist nebulizer treatment and following such treatment and/or in the course thereof, the physiologic activities of the patient continue to be monitored. This monitoring is employed by computer  160  to indicate the response to the breathing treatment and the current status of the bronchospasm condition. The patient is then transferred to an ambulance.  
         [0717]    Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 4, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 3. The patient previously attached to a multi-parameter monitor including a capnograph  132  and suitable instrumentation  154 , by means of cannula  130  and preferably also by means of chest electrodes  134 , finger sensor  136 , forehead sensor  138  and blood pressure cuff  140 , is monitored continuously for at least thirty seconds. Neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique, including visual and electroencephalograph (EEG) monitoring. Values of CO 2  concentration, ECG, NIBP and the SPO 2  (the percent saturation of the hemoglobin molecule with oxygen) in units of % saturation (designated as % SAT herein), are continuously monitored, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram  169  and together with other waveforms are stored in computer  144 .  
         [0718]    At least one expired air sample is collected and conveyed for analysis by capnograph  132 . The following gold standards of base pulmonary function measures are as follows: FEV1 is defined as the Forced Expiratory Volume over 1 second, and is a measure of flow. FVC is the Forced Vital Capacity and is a measure of volume. The character ratio is FEV1/FVC. This is the ratio of flow to volume: markedly less than 1 in bronchospasm and close to a value of 1 in patients of normal status and those with restrictive disease.  
         [0719]    Severity of a pulmonary disease may preferably be defined by FEV1: Reduced flow and/or volume over the first second, as compared to normal. This applies to both obstructive and restrictive disorders.  
         [0720]    Forced expiratory volume (FEV) values are preferably determined employing a correlation from at least one capnographic measurement, and are denoted herein as CAP-FEY or CAP-FEV1 (measured over one second). The severity criteria is assessed from the capnogram using a measure that we refer to as Cap-FEV1, to emphasize it&#39;s relation to the gold-standard FEV1 and it&#39;s derivation from the Capnogram. The area under capnogram  169  is measured over the first second. This, the CAP-FEV1 is computed as (SUM [CO 2 ] (First second)) or, at 40 Hz device sampling rate, (SUM (n=0:40). [CO 2 ]n). The units are “% of expected value”, or “%”. Additionally or alternatively, the CAP-FEV1 may be determined by standard spirometry techniques known in the art-as is FEV  1 .  
         [0721]    The capnographic analysis preferably includes molecular correlation spectroscopy (MSC), but may also be performed employing infrared analysis. The outputs of the capnograph  132  and possibly of additional instrumentation  154  are preferably supplied to suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  144 , having associated display  146 , which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  132 .  
         [0722]    In an analyzing step, computer  144  marks the onset and offset limits of a capnogram  169 , pulse waveforms, and the QRS complex (of the ECG). The actual parameters measured include, but are not limited to heart rate (HR), BP, the systolic to diastolic ratio (SYS/DIA). SPO 2 , AND ETCO 2 . The slope of CO 2  (mm Hg/sec), and CO 2  “run”, of the capnogram  132 , measured to 80% of maximum CO 2  concentration, are calculated by computer  144 .  
         [0723]    Following each treatment, computer  144  computes the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters. Thereafter, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  144 :  
         [0724]    1). If:  
         [0725]    a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range;  
         [0726]    b) the respiratory rate is normal;  
         [0727]    c) CO 2  run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec;  
         [0728]    d) CO 2  slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [0729]    e) SPO 2  is greater or equal to than 95% SAT; and  
         [0730]    f) ETCO 2  is less than or equal to. 45 mm Hg;  
         [0731]    then,  
         [0732]    display  146  shows the message “VITAL SIGNS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS.” 
         [0733]    2) In contrast, if:  
         [0734]    a) CO 2  run is greater than 0.3 sec;  
         [0735]    b) CO 2  slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [0736]    c) SPO 2  is more than or equal to 91% SAT but less than 95% SAT; and  
         [0737]    d) ETCO 2  is less than 45 mm Hg;  
         [0738]    then,  
         [0739]    the message “MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” is displayed on display  146 ;  
         [0740]    3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if:  
         [0741]    a) CAP-FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in one second) is less than 50%;  
         [0742]    b) SPO 2  is less than 92% SAT; and  
         [0743]    c) ETCO 2  (end tidal value of the exhaled carbon dioxide) is greater than 45 mm Hg;  
         [0744]    then,  
         [0745]    a message such as “SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” is displayed on display  146 .  
         [0746]    It should be understood from this example that the severity of the a respiratory disorder, whether restrictive or obstructive, may be determined by CAP-FEV  1  measurements. The use of the capnographic measurements for diagnosis of whether the respiratory disorder is restrictive or obstructive is described in FIG. 30 hereinbelow. Similarly, the ratio CAP-FEV1/FVC (forced vital capacity) may be applied to diagnose whether the patient is suffering from a restrictive or obstructive breathing disorder as is described hereinabove.  
         [0747]    Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is also a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an on-scene environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of the patient. As seen in FIG. 5 and similarly to that described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 3, in an on scene environment, such as at a patient&#39;s home, after a patient calls EMS after having sensed shortness of breath, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  150 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  152 , such as a Microcap®, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  154 , a finger sensor  156 , a forehead/scalp sensor  158  and a blood pressure cuff  160  respectively, and may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  154 .  
         [0748]    The outputs of the capnograph  152  and preferably of additional instrumentation  154  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  160 , having an associated display  162 , which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  152  and preferably other physiologic activities and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here “ALERT: SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT”.  
         [0749]    The patient is given breathing treatment, such as a beta agonist nebulizer treatment and following such treatment and/or in the course thereof, the physiologic activities of the patient continue to be monitored. This monitoring is employed by computer  160  to indicate the response to the breathing treatment and the current status of the bronchospasm condition. In the scenario of FIG. 3, the patient fails to respond sufficiently to the breathing treatment and this is indicated by a status statement, here “POOR RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, CONDITION CRITICAL”. A treatment recommendation may also be provided, such as “CONSIDER INTUBATION”.  
         [0750]    Intubation is performed and correct intubation tube placement is confirmed by continuing monitoring of the physiologic activities of the patient. A status statement, here: “ADEQUATE CO 2  WAVEFORM-TUBE IN TRACHEA” and a treatment recommendation, here “SECURE TUBE” appear.  
         [0751]    The patient is then transferred to an ambulance. While the physiologic activities of the patient continue to be monitored and serve to confirm continued proper placement of the intubation tube in the trachea. A status statement, here “TUBE IN TRACHEA” appears. Typically, the position of the tube is continuously monitored by computer  160 , and a status statement “MONITORING TUBE POSITION” appears on display  162 .  
         [0752]    Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 6A and 6B, which illustrate the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 5. In a monitoring step, the patient, attached to a multi-parameter monitor including a capnograph  152  and instrumentation  154 , by means of cannula  150  and preferably also by means of chest electrodes  164 , finger sensor  166 , forehead/scalp sensor  158  and blood pressure cuff  168 , is monitored. Neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique.  
         [0753]    At least one expired air sample is collected and conveyed to capnograph  152 . Further measurements of ECG and blood pressure are monitored by standard techniques, employing chest electrodes  164  and blood pressure cuff  168  respectively. The actual parameters measured include, but are not limited to heart rate, blood pressure ETCO 2  and SPO 2  (SYS/DIA). SPO 2 , NIBP, and cerebral oximetry values, and these parameters are measured and/or determined continuously by techniques as detailed hereinabove. These parameter values are typically digitized as waveforms and are further stored for analysis by computer  160 .  
         [0754]    In an analyzing step, the onset and offset limits of capnograph  152 , pulse waveforms, and the QRS complex (ECG) measured by additional instrumentation  154 , are delineated and marked by computer  160 . The limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined and recorded in computer  160 . The slope of the capnogram (mm Hg/sec), and the run and thereof is measured to 80% of maximum CO 2  concentration are calculated by computer  160 .  
         [0755]    Thereafter, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are applied to the measured parameters by computer  160 :  
         [0756]    1. if:  
         [0757]    a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range;  
         [0758]    b) respiratory rate is normal;  
         [0759]    c) CO 2  run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec;  
         [0760]    d) CO 2  slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [0761]    e) SPO 2  is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and  
         [0762]    f) ETCO 2  is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg;  
         [0763]    then,  
         [0764]    computer  160  displays a message “NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” on display  162 .  
         [0765]    2) In contrast, if:  
         [0766]    a) CO 2  run is greater than 0.3 see;  
         [0767]    b) CO 2  slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [0768]    c) SPO 2  is more than or equal to 91% SAT, but less than 95% SAT; and  
         [0769]    d) ETCO 2  is less than 45 mm Hg;  
         [0770]    then,  
         [0771]    computer  160  provides the message “MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” on display  162 .  
         [0772]    3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if:  
         [0773]    a) CAP-FEV1 is less than 50%;  
         [0774]    b) SPO 2  is more than or equal to 90% SAT, but is less than 91% SAT; and  
         [0775]    c) ETCO 2  is greater than 45 mm Hg, but less than or equal to 60 mm Hg;  
         [0776]    then,  
         [0777]    computer  160  provides a message “SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” on display  162 .  
         [0778]    4. If the parameters measured are still yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if:  
         [0779]    a) SPO 2  is less than 90% SAT;  
         [0780]    b) the respiratory rate is less than 8 per minute;  
         [0781]    c) ETCO 2  is greater than 60 mm Hg; and  
         [0782]    d) the neurological parameters are poor;  
         [0783]    then,  
         [0784]    computer  160  issues a message on display  162  stating “RESPIRATORY FAILURE; CONDITION CRITICAL; CONSIDER INTUBATION”.  
         [0785]    Subsequently, in an intubation stage, a standard intubation procedure is followed, as is described hereinabove in FIG. 5. Thereafter, an operator, typically a physician or paramedic, confirms that the intubation monitoring mode has been activated, and the patient is monitored for a successful outcome of the intubation. Thereafter, computer  160  displays a message stating “MONITORING FOR INTUBTION” on display  162 .  
         [0786]    The next step entails a checking procedure, wherein the ETCO 2  value is measured by capnograph  152 .  
         [0787]    The following checking rule is preferably applied.  
         [0788]    1) If:  
         [0789]    a) the ETCO 2  value is more than 15;  
         [0790]    then,  
         [0791]    a display is provided by computer  160  stating “GOOD WAVEFORM, TUBE IN TRACHEA, CONFIRM AND SECURE TUBE” on display  162 .  
         [0792]    Thereafter, the ETCO 2  value is measured again by capnograph  152 , and recorded by computer  160 . The following monitoring rules are preferably applied.  
         [0793]    1). If:  
         [0794]    a) the ETCO 2  value is more than 15 mm Hg;  
         [0795]    then,  
         [0796]    a message is displayed by computer  160  on display  162  stating “MONITORING TUBE IN POSITION: NO DISLODGEMENT.” 
         [0797]    2) Whereas, if:  
         [0798]    a) the ETCO 2  value is less than or equal to 15 mm Hg; or  
         [0799]    b) there is a loss in the tracking of the waveform by capnograph  152 ;  
         [0800]    then,  
         [0801]    a message is displayed by computer  160  stating “ALERT: CHECK FOR TUBE DISLODGEMENT” on display  162 .  
         [0802]    Reference is now made FIG. 7, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an ambulance environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of spontaneously breathing patients. As seen in FIG. 7, in an ambulance environment, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  170 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  172 , such as a Microcap®, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  174 , a finger sensor  176 , a forehead/scalp sensor  178  and a blood pressure cuff  180  respectively, may be received and analyzed by additional instrumentation  182 .  
         [0803]    The outputs of the capnograph  172  and possibly of additional instrumentation  182  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  184 , having an associated display  186 , which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  172  and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here “ALERT: MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT”. A breathing treatment is administered after which a diagnostic statement which indicates the patient status and the severity of the respiratory condition is preferably presented, here “GOOD RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, CONDITION IMPROVING”. Additional breathing treatment is typically administered after which a diagnostic statement which indicates the current patient status and the severity of the respiratory condition is preferably presented, here “NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT, CONDITION STABLE”.  
         [0804]    Preferably, response to treatment statements as well as disposition recommendations may be appended to patient status statements, here “RAPID RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, CONDITION REMAINS STABLE, DISCHARGE TO HOME LIKELY”.  
         [0805]    Preferably some or all of the outputs of computer  184  are transmitted in a wireless manner by a transmitter  188 , such as via radio or a cellular telephone link, preferably to a dispatch center or patient receiving facility.  
         [0806]    Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 8A and 8B, which illustrate the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 7. In a monitoring step, the patient in an ambulance environment, attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph  172 , by means of cannula  170  and preferably also by means of chest electrodes  174 , finger sensor  176 , scalp/forehead sensor  178  and blood pressure cuff  178 , is monitored continuously. Neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Values of the CO 2  concentration monitored by capnograph  172 , and ECG, NIBP, cerebral oximetry and SPO 2  values, monitored by additional instrumentation  182  are supplied to computer  184 , and are typically measured continuously over a period of 30 seconds, by techniques as detailed hereinabove. The parameter data may be digitized as waveforms and are further stored for analysis by computer  184 . Thereafter, the limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined by computer  184 . The heart rate, blood pressure ETCO 2  and SPO 2  values are measured. The initial slope of the capnogram and the run, monitored by capnograph  172 , are calculated by computer  184 . Additionally, neurological findings, monitored by means of an EEG are inputted to computer  184 .  
         [0807]    In an analyzing step, the onset and offset limits of the capnogram, pulse waveforms, and the QRS complex (ECG) are marked by computer  184 .  
         [0808]    Following each treatment, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are evaluated by computer  184 . After each treatment, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  184 :  
         [0809]    I) If:  
         [0810]    a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range;  
         [0811]    b) the respiratory rate is normal;  
         [0812]    c) CO 2  run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec;  
         [0813]    d) CO 2  slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [0814]    e) SPO 2  is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and  
         [0815]    f) ETCO 2  is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg;  
         [0816]    then,  
         [0817]    display  162  shows the message “NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” 
         [0818]    2) In contrast, if:  
         [0819]    a) CO 2  run is greater than 0.3 sec;  
         [0820]    b) CO 2  slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [0821]    c) SPO 2  is more than or equal to 91% SAT less than 95% SAT; and  
         [0822]    d) ETCO 2  is less than 45 mm Hg;  
         [0823]    then,  
         [0824]    the message “MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” is displayed on display  186 .  
         [0825]    3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if:  
         [0826]    a) CAP-FEV1 is less than 50%;  
         [0827]    b) SPO 2  is less than 92% SAT; and  
         [0828]    c) ETCO 2  is greater than 45 mm Hg;  
         [0829]    then,  
         [0830]    a message such as “SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” is displayed on display  186 .  
         [0831]    The findings of the last stage are stored by computer  184  and/or transmitted to a dispatch/receiving center, typically located at a hospital or medical center [ref. no]. A connection is established with the dispatch/receiving center [ref. no], and the data is forwarded thereto. A medical supervisor typically watches display of the received data, and consequentially transmits the recommended treatment and/or transport recommendations back to the ambulance.  
         [0832]    After each time interval, the difference between consecutive measures of each parameter are calculated by computer  184 : Thereafter, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  184 .  
         [0833]    1) If:  
         [0834]    a) the difference in the run values is greater than +0.1 sec; and  
         [0835]    b) the difference in the slope is more negative than −15 mm Hg/sec;  
         [0836]    then,  
         [0837]    computer  184  displays on display  186  “BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING”.  
         [0838]    2) If:  
         [0839]    a) the difference in the run values is more negative than −0.1 sec; and  
         [0840]    b) the difference in the slope is more than +15 mm Hg/sec;  
         [0841]    then,  
         [0842]    computer  184  displays on display  186  “BRONCHOSPASM IMPROVING”.  
         [0843]    3) If:  
         [0844]    a) the difference in the slope is more than or equal to −15 mm Hg/sec and less than or equal to +15 mm Hg/sec;  
         [0845]    then,  
         [0846]    computer  184  displays on display  186  “UNCHANGED”.  
         [0847]    The change in patient&#39;s vital functional activities, including SPO 2  and ETCO 2 , over the time interval are calculated by computer  184 ,  
         [0848]    4) If:  
         [0849]    a) the decrease in SPO 2  is more than −5% SAT; or  
         [0850]    b) the increase in the ETCO 2  is more than +5 mm Hg;  
         [0851]    then,  
         [0852]    computer  184  displays on display  186  “VITAL SIGNS DETERIORATING.” 
         [0853]    5) If:  
         [0854]    a) the increase in SPO 2  is greater than +5% SAT; or  
         [0855]    b) the decrease in the ETCO 2  is less than −5 mm Hg;  
         [0856]    then,  
         [0857]    computer  184  displays on display  186  “VITAL SIGNS IMPROVING”.  
         [0858]    6) If:  
         [0859]    a) the change in SPO 2  is greater than or equal to −5% SAT, but less than or equal to +5%; or  
         [0860]    b) the change in the ETCO 2  is more than or equal to −5 mm Hg, or less than or equal to +5 mm Hg;  
         [0861]    then.  
         [0862]    computer  184  displays on display  186  “VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.” 
         [0863]    Computer  184  preferably combines the results of these monitoring rules to display an integrated display  186  such as ““BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING; VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.” 
         [0864]    Thereafter, in a transmission stage, the connection with the receiving center is maintained. The receiving center periodically receives updates of the patient&#39;s condition, who is in the ambulance en route to the hospital, in order to prepare in the most fitting and efficient transfer of the patient upon arrival to the hospital.  
         [0865]    Following the transmission stage, the following exit rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  184 :  
         [0866]    1) If  
         [0867]    a) the blood pressure values are within normal limits;  
         [0868]    b) the respiratory rate is within normal limits;  
         [0869]    c) the value of the CO 2  run is less than 0.3 seconds; and  
         [0870]    d) the CO 2  slope is greater than 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [0871]    then,  
         [0872]    Computer  184  preferably displays on display  186  “NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT”.  
         [0873]    If the patient&#39;s record complies with this exit rule, then a copy of the patient&#39;s record is handed off from computer  184  to the receiving center, for example, in the form of a chart. Typically, the receiving center stores this chart, so that it may be used as a baseline for continued monitoring of the patient.  
         [0874]    Reference is now made to FIG. 9, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an ambulance environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of mechanically ventilated patients. As seen in FIG. 9 and similarly to that described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 5, in an ambulance environment various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  200 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  202 , such as a Microcap®, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  204 , a finger sensor  206 , a forehead/scalp sensor  208  and a blood pressure cuff  209  respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  210 . Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), cerebral perfusion (e.g. CEREBRAL OXIMETRY), oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  212   
         [0875]    The outputs of the capnograph  202  and preferably of additional instrumentation  212  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  214  having an associated display  216 , which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  202  and preferably other physiologic activities and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here “ALERT: SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT”.  
         [0876]    The patient is given breathing treatment, such as a beta agonist nebulizer treatment and following such treatment and/or in the course thereof, the physiologic activities of the patient continue to be monitored. This monitoring is employed by computer  214  to indicate the response to the breathing treatment and the current status of the patient condition. In the scenario of FIG. 9, the patient fails to respond sufficiently to the breathing treatment and this is indicated by a status change statement, here “POOR RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, CONDITION WORSENING”. A treatment recommendation may also be provided, such as “CONSIDER INTUBATION”.  
         [0877]    Intubation is performed and correct initial tube placement is confirmed followed by continuous monitoring of the physiologic activities of the patient, which indicate current tube position. Where intubation is successful, a status statement, here: “ADEQUATE CO2 WAVEFORM-TUBE IN TRACHEA” and a treatment recommendation, here “SECURE TUBE” appear. Where intubation is not successful, a status statement, here: “NO CO2 WAVEFORM-TUBE IN ESOPHAGUS” and a treatment recommendation, here “REINTUBATE” appear.  
         [0878]    Following successful intubation, continuous monitoring may provide a status statement such as “ADEQUATE CO2 WAVEFORM-TUBE IN TRACHEA-NO DISLOGEMENT” may appear. If tube dislodgment occurs at any time following intubation-, a status statement appears, here “CO2 WAVEFORM ABSENT” preferably accompanied by a treatment recommendation, here “CHECK FOR TUBE DISLOGEMENT”.  
         [0879]    Preferably some or all of the outputs of computer  214  are transmitted in a wireless manner by a transmitter  218 , such as via radio or a cellular telephone link, preferably to a dispatch center or patient receiving facility.  
         [0880]    Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 10A-10C, which illustrate the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 9.  
         [0881]    In a monitoring step, the patient in an ambulance environment, attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph  202  and instrumentation  212 , by means of cannula  200  and preferably also by means of chest electrodes  204 , finger sensor  206 , scalp/forehead sensor  208  and blood pressure cuff  209 , is monitored continuously. Neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Values of the CO 2  concentration monitored by capnograph  202 , and ECG, NIBP, cerebral oximetry and SPO 2  values, monitored by additional instrumentation  212  are supplied to computer  214 , and are typically measured continuously over a period of 30 seconds, by techniques as detailed hereinabove. The parameter data may be digitized as waveforms and are further stored for analysis by computer  214 . Thereafter, the onset and offset limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined by computer  214 . The heart rate, blood pressure ETCO 2  and SPO 2  values are measured. The initial slope of the capnogram and the run, monitored by capnograph  202 , are calculated by computer  214 . Additionally, neurological findings, monitored by means of an EEG are inputted to computer  214 .  
         [0882]    Following each treatment, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are evaluated by computer  214 . After each treatment, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  214 :  
         [0883]    1) If;  
         [0884]    a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range;  
         [0885]    b) the respiratory rate is normal;  
         [0886]    c) CO 2  run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec;  
         [0887]    d) CO 2  slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [0888]    e) SPO 2  is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and  
         [0889]    f) ETCO 2  is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg;  
         [0890]    then,  
         [0891]    display  216  shows the message “NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT.” 
         [0892]    2) In contrast, if:  
         [0893]    a) CO 2  run is greater than 0.3 sec;  
         [0894]    b) CO 2  slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [0895]    c) SPO 2  is more than or equal to 91% SAT but less than 95% SAT; and  
         [0896]    d) ETCO 2  is less than 45 mm Hg;  
         [0897]    then,  
         [0898]    the message “MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” is displayed on display  216 .  
         [0899]    3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if:  
         [0900]    a) CAP-FEV1 is less than 50%;  
         [0901]    b) SPO 2  is less than 91% SAT; and  
         [0902]    c) ETCO 2  is greater than 45 mm Hg;  
         [0903]    then,  
         [0904]    a message such as “SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” is preferably displayed on display  216 .  
         [0905]    The findings of the last stage are stored by computer  214  and/or transmitted to a dispatch/receiving center, typically located at a hospital or medical center]. A connection is established with the dispatch/receiving center, and the data is forwarded thereto. A medical supervisor typically watches display of the received data, and consequentially transmits the recommended treatment and/or transport recommendations back to the ambulance.  
         [0906]    After each time interval, the difference between consecutive measures of each parameter are calculated by computer  214 : Thereafter, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  214 .  
         [0907]    1) If:  
         [0908]    a) the difference in the run values is greater than 0.1 sec; and  
         [0909]    b) the difference in the slope is more negative than −15 mm Hg/sec;  
         [0910]    then,  
         [0911]    computer  214  displays on display  216  “BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING”.  
         [0912]    2) If:  
         [0913]    a) the difference in the run values is more negative than −0.1 sec; and  
         [0914]    b) the difference in the slope is more positive than +15 mm Hg/sec;  
         [0915]    then,  
         [0916]    computer  214  displays on display  216  “BRONCHOSPASM IMPROVING”.  
         [0917]    3) If:  
         [0918]    a) the difference in the slope is more than or equal to −15 mm Hg/sec and less than or equal to +15 mm Hg/sec;  
         [0919]    then,  
         [0920]    computer  214  displays on display  216  “BRONCHOSPASM UNCHANGED”.  
         [0921]    The change in patient&#39;s vital functional activities, including SPO 2  and ETCO 2 , over the time interval are calculated by computer  214 .  
         [0922]    4) If:  
         [0923]    a) the decrease in SPO 2  is more negative than −5% SAT; or  
         [0924]    b) the increase in the ETCO 2  is more positive than +5 mm Hg;  
         [0925]    then,  
         [0926]    computer  214  displays on display  216  “VITAL SIGNS DETERIORATING.” 
         [0927]    5) If:  
         [0928]    a) the change in SPO 2  is greater than +5% SAT; or  
         [0929]    b) the change in the ETCO 2  is more negative than −5 mm Hg;  
         [0930]    then,  
         [0931]    computer  214  displays on display  216  “VITAL SIGNS IMPROVING”.  
         [0932]    6) If:  
         [0933]    a) the change in SPO 2  is greater than or equal to −5% SAT, but less than or equal to +5% SAT; or  
         [0934]    b) the change in the ETCO 2  is more than or equal to −5 mm Hg, but less than or equal to +5 mm Hg;  
         [0935]    then,  
         [0936]    computer  214  displays on display  216  “VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.” 
         [0937]    Computer  214  preferably combines the results of these monitoring rules to display an integrated display such as “BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING; VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.” 
         [0938]    In a checking rule step, the following rule is preferably applied:  
         [0939]    1) A patient appears to be entering respiratory failure phase if:  
         [0940]    a) the SPO 2  is less than 90% SAT;  
         [0941]    b) the respiratory rate is less than 8/min;  
         [0942]    c) ETCO 2  is greater than 60 mm Hg; and  
         [0943]    d) the patient&#39;s neurological symptoms are qualified as being “bad”;  
         [0944]    then,  
         [0945]    computer  214  displays “RESPIRATORY FAILURE; CONDITION CRITICAL; CONSIDER INTUBATION.” on display  216 .  
         [0946]    Following this, in an alert data transmission stage, a high priority update is transmitted via transmitter  218  from computer  214  to notify the dispatch/receiving centers of the significant deterioration and change in the patient&#39;s condition.  
         [0947]    Once these changes in the patient&#39;s condition have been confirmed by an operator, the patient is consequentially intubated according to standard techniques and capnograph  202  is activated in intubation monitoring mode by computer  214 . Once the successful intubation of the patient is verified by data comparison of the patient&#39;s capnogram and standardized capnograms for incubation in computer  214 , the computer displays “MONITORING FOR INTUBATION”.  
         [0948]    Thereafter, the following check rule is preferably applied to the patient&#39;s capnogram:  
         [0949]    1. If:  
         [0950]    a) ETCO 2  is greater than 15 mm Hg;  
         [0951]    then,  
         [0952]    computer  214  displays “GOOD WAVEFORM, TUBE IN TRACHEA. CONFIRM AND SECURE TUBE.” 
         [0953]    In the next step, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the patient&#39;s capnogram:  
         [0954]    1) If:  
         [0955]    a) the value of ETCO 2  is greater than 15 mm Hg;  
         [0956]    then,  
         [0957]    computer  214  displays “MONITORING TUBE POSITION: NO DISLODGEMENT” on display  216 .  
         [0958]    2) If:  
         [0959]    a) the value of ETCO 2  is less than or equal to 15 mm Hg; or  
         [0960]    b) there is a loss of the waveform;  
         [0961]    then,  
         [0962]    computer  214  displays “ALERT: CHECK FOR TUBE DISLODGEMENT” on display  216 .  
         [0963]    Computer  214  transmits the data monitored via transmitter  218  to the receiving center. The receiving center periodically receives updates of the patient&#39;s condition, who is in the ambulance en route to the hospital, in order to prepare in the most fitting and efficient transfer of the patient upon arrival to the hospital.  
         [0964]    A copy of the patient&#39;s record is handed off from computer  184  via transmitter  218  to the receiving center, for example, in the form of a chart. Typically, the receiving center stores this chart, so that it may be used as a baseline for continued monitoring of the patient.  
         [0965]    Reference is now made to FIG. 11, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in a hospital environment, such as a medical ward, emergency department or ICU, for detecting the presence and indicating the severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending treatment and disposition of spontaneously breathing patients. As seen in FIG. 11, in a hospital environment, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  220 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  222 , such as a Microcap®, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  224 , a finger sensor  226 , a forehead/scalp sensor  228  and a blood pressure cuff  230  respectively.  
         [0966]    The outputs of the capnograph  222  and possibly of additional instrumentation  230  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  232 , having an associated display  234  which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  222  and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here “ALERT: MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT”. A breathing treatment is administered after which a diagnostic statement which indicates the patient status and the severity of the respiratory condition is preferably presented, here “GOOD RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, CONDITION IMPROVING”. Additional breathing treatment is typically administered after which a diagnostic statement which indicates the current patient status and the severity of the respiratory condition is preferably presented, here NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT, CONDITION STABLE”.  
         [0967]    Preferably, response to treatment statements as well as disposition recommendations may be appended to patient status statements, here “RAPID RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, CONDITION REMAINS STABLE, DISCHARGE TO HOME LIKELY”.  
         [0968]    Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 12, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 11. The patient in the hospital environment, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph  222  and instrumentation  230 , by means of cannula  220  and preferably also by means of chest electrodes  230 , finger sensor  226 , scalp/forehead sensor  228  and blood pressure cuff  236 , is monitored continuously. The neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Values of CO 2  concentration, ECG, NIBP and SPO 2  are continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram and other waveforms and stored.  
         [0969]    The parameter data may be digitized as waveforms and are further stored for analysis by computer  232 . Thereafter, the onset and offset limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined by computer  232 . The heart rate, blood pressure ETCO 2  and SPO 2  values are measured. The initial slope of the capnogram and the run, monitored by capnograph  222 , are calculated by computer  232 . Additionally, neurological findings, monitored by means of an EEG are inputted to computer  232 .  
         [0970]    Following each treatment, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are evaluated by computer  232 . After each treatment, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  234 :  
         [0971]    1) If:  
         [0972]    a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range;  
         [0973]    b) the respiratory rate is normal;  
         [0974]    c) CO 2  run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec;  
         [0975]    d) CO 2  slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [0976]    e) SPO 2  is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and  
         [0977]    f) ETCO 2  is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg;  
         [0978]    then,  
         [0979]    display  234  shows the message “VITAL SIGNS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS.” 
         [0980]    2) In contrast, if:  
         [0981]    a) CO 2  run is greater than 0.3 sec;  
         [0982]    b) CO 2  slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [0983]    c) SPO 2  is more than or equal to 91% SAT, but less than 95% SAT; and  
         [0984]    d) ETCO 2  is less than 45 mm Hg;  
         [0985]    then,  
         [0986]    the message “MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” is displayed on display  234 .  
         [0987]    3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if:  
         [0988]    a) CAP-FEV1 is less than 50%;  
         [0989]    b) SPO 2  is less than 92% SAT; and  
         [0990]    c) ETCO 2  is greater than 45 mm Hg;  
         [0991]    then,  
         [0992]    a message such as “SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” is displayed on display  234 .  
         [0993]    The findings of the last stage are stored by computer  232  and/or transmitted to a dispatch/receiving center, typically located at a hospital or medical center. A connection is established with the dispatch/receiving center, and the data is forwarded thereto. A medical supervisor typically watches display of the received data, and consequentially transmits the recommended treatment and/or transport recommendations back to the hospital.  
         [0994]    After each time interval, the difference between consecutive measures of each parameter are calculated by computer  232 : Thereafter, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  232 .  
         [0995]    1) If:  
         [0996]    a) the difference in the run values is greater than 0.1 sec; and  
         [0997]    b) the difference in the slope is less than −15 mm Hg/sec;  
         [0998]    then,  
         [0999]    computer  232  displays on display  234  “BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING”.  
         [1000]    2) If:  
         [1001]    a) the difference in the run values is more negative than −0.1 sec; and  
         [1002]    b) the difference in the slope is more than +15 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1003]    then,  
         [1004]    computer  232  displays on display  234  “BRONCHOSPASM IMPROVING”.  
         [1005]    3) If:  
         [1006]    a) the difference in the slope is greater than or equal to −15 mm Hg/sec, but less than or equal to +15 mm Hg/sec; and  
         [1007]    a) the difference in the run values is greater or equal to −0.1 sec; but less than or equal to +0.1 sec;  
         [1008]    then,  
         [1009]    computer  232  displays on display  234  “BRONCHOSPASM UNCHANGED”.  
         [1010]    The change in patient&#39;s vital functional activities, including SPO 2  and ETCO 2 , over the time interval are calculated by computer  232 .  
         [1011]    4) If:  
         [1012]    a) the change in SPO 2  is greater than −5% SAT; or  
         [1013]    b) the change in the ETCO 2  is more than +5 mm Hg;  
         [1014]    then,  
         [1015]    computer  232  displays on display  234  “VITAL SIGNS DETERIORATING.” 
         [1016]    5) If:  
         [1017]    a) the change in SPO 2  is greater than +5% SAT; or  
         [1018]    b) the change in the ETCO 2  is less than −5 mm Hg;  
         [1019]    then,  
         [1020]    computer  232  displays on display  234  “VITAL SIGNS IMPROVING”.  
         [1021]    6) If:  
         [1022]    a) the change in SPO 2  is greater than or equal to −5% SAT, and less than or equal to +5% SAT; or  
         [1023]    b) the change in the ETCO 2  is more than or equal to −5 mm Hg, but less than or equal to +5 mm Hg;  
         [1024]    then,  
         [1025]    computer  232  displays on display  234  “VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.” 
         [1026]    Computer  232  preferably combines the results of these monitoring rules to display an integrated display  234  such as “BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING; VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.” 
         [1027]    Following the monitoring stage, the following exit rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters of the patient by computer  232 :  
         [1028]    1) If:  
         [1029]    a) the blood pressure values are within normal limits;  
         [1030]    b) the respiratory rate is within normal limits;  
         [1031]    c) the value of the CO 2  run is less than 0.3 seconds;  
         [1032]    d) the CO 2  slope is greater than 100 mm Hg/sec; and  
         [1033]    e) ETCO 2  is less than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1034]    then,  
         [1035]    Computer  232  preferably displays on display  234  “NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” 
         [1036]    (If the patient&#39;s record complies with this exit rule, then a copy of the patient&#39;s record is handed off from computer  232  to the receiving center, for example, in the form of a chart. Typically, the receiving center stores this chart, so that it may be used as a baseline for continued monitoring of the patient).  
         [1037]    Reference is now made to FIG. 13, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an ambulance environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of mechanically ventilated patients. As seen in FIG. 13 and similarly to that described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 5 and 9, in a hospital environment, such as a medical ward, emergency department or ICU, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  250 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  252 , such as a Microcap®, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  254 , a finger sensor  256 , a forehead/scalp sensor  258  and a blood pressure cuff  260  respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  262 .  
         [1038]    The outputs of the capnograph  252  and preferably of additional instrumentation  262  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  264  having an associated display  266 , which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  252  and preferably other physiologic activities and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here “ALERT: SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT”.  
         [1039]    The patient is given breathing treatment, such as a beta agonist nebulizer treatment and following such treatment and/or in the course thereof, the physiologic activities of the patient continue to be monitored. This monitoring is employed by computer  264  to indicate the response to the breathing treatment and the current status of the patient condition. In the scenario of FIG. 13, the patient fails to respond sufficiently to the breathing treatment and this is indicated by a status change statement, here “POOR RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, CONDITION WORSENING”. A treatment recommendation may also be provided, such as “CONSIDER INTUBATION”.  
         [1040]    Intubation is performed and correct initial tube placement is confirmed followed by continuous monitoring of the physiologic activities of the patient, which indicate current tube position. Where intubation is successful, a status statement, here: “ADEQUATE CO2 WAVEFORM-TUBE IN TRACHEA” and a treatment recommendation, here “SECURE TUBE” appear. Where intubation is not successful, a status statement, here: “NO CO2 WAVEFORM-TUBE IN ESOPHAGUS” and a treatment recommendation, here “REINTUBATE” appear.  
         [1041]    Following successful intubation, continuous monitoring may provide a status statement such as “ADEQUATE CO2 WAVEFORM-TUBE IN TRACHEA-NO DISLOGEMENT” may appear. If tube dislodgment occurs at any time following intubation, a status statement appears, here “CO2 WAVEFORM ABSENT” preferably accompanied by a treatment recommendation, here “CHECK FOR TUBE DISLOGEMENT”.  
         [1042]    Preferably some or all of the outputs of computer  262  are transmitted in a wireless manner by a transmitter  268 , such as via radio or a cellular telephone link, preferably to a dispatch center or patient receiving facility.  
         [1043]    Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 14A and 14B, which illustrate the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 13.  
         [1044]    The patient in the hospital environment, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph  252  and instrumentation  262 , by means of cannula  250  and preferably also by means of chest electrodes  254 , finger sensor  256 , scalp/forehead sensor  258  and blood pressure cuff  260 , is monitored continuously. The neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Values of CO 2  concentration, ECG, NIBP and SPO 2  are continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram and other waveforms and stored by computer  264 .  
         [1045]    Thereafter, the onset and offset limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined by computer  264 . The heart rate, blood pressure ETCO 2  and SPO 2  values are measured. The initial slope of the capnogram and the run, monitored by capnograph  252 , are calculated by computer  264 . Additionally, neurological findings, monitored by means of an EEG are inputted to computer  264 .  
         [1046]    Following each treatment, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are evaluated by computer  264 . After each treatment, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  264 :  
         [1047]    1) If:  
         [1048]    a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range;  
         [1049]    b) the respiratory rate is normal;  
         [1050]    c) CO 2  run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec;  
         [1051]    d) CO 2  slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1052]    e) SPO 2  is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and  
         [1053]    f) ETCO 2  is less than or equal to 45 mm, Hg;  
         [1054]    then,  
         [1055]    display  266  shows the message “VITAL SIGNS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS.” 
         [1056]    2) In contrast, if:  
         [1057]    a) CO 2  run is greater than 0.3 sec;  
         [1058]    b) CO 2  slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1059]    c) SPO 2  is greater than or equal to 91% SAT, but less than 95% SAT; and  
         [1060]    d) ETCO 2  is less than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1061]    then,  
         [1062]    the message “MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” is displayed on display  266 .  
         [1063]    3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if:  
         [1064]    a) CAP-FEV1 is less than 50%;  
         [1065]    b) SPO 2  is less than 91% SAT; and  
         [1066]    c) ETCO 2  is greater than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1067]    then,  
         [1068]    a message such as “SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” is displayed on display  266 .  
         [1069]    The findings of the last stage are stored by computer  264  and/or transmitted by transmitter  268  to a dispatch/receiving center, typically located at a hospital or medical center. A connection is established with the dispatch/receiving center [ref. no], and the data is forwarded thereto. A medical supervisor typically watches display of the received data, and consequentially transmits the recommended treatment and/or transport recommendations back to the hospital.  
         [1070]    After each time interval, the difference between consecutive measures of each parameter are calculated by computer  264 : Thereafter, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  264 .  
         [1071]    1) If:  
         [1072]    a) the difference in the run values is greater than +0.1 sec; and  
         [1073]    b) the difference in the slope is more negative than −15 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1074]    then,  
         [1075]    computer  264  displays on display  266  “BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING”.  
         [1076]    2) If:  
         [1077]    a) the difference in the run values is more negative than −0.1 sec; and  
         [1078]    b) the difference in the slope is more positive than +15 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1079]    then,  
         [1080]    computer  264  displays on display  266  “BRONCHOSPASM IMPROVING”.  
         [1081]    3) If:  
         [1082]    a) the difference in the run values is greater or equal to −0.1 sec but less than or equal to +0.1 sec; or  
         [1083]    b) the difference in the slope is more than or equal to −15 mm Hg/sec but less than or equal to +15 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1084]    then,  
         [1085]    computer  264  displays on display  266  “BRONCHOSPASM UNCHANGED”.  
         [1086]    The change in patient&#39;s vital functional activities, including SPO 2  and ETCO 2 , over the time interval are calculated by computer  264 .  
         [1087]    4) If:  
         [1088]    a) the change in SPO 2  is greater than −5% SAT; or  
         [1089]    b) the change in the ETCO 2  is more than +5 mm Hg;  
         [1090]    then,  
         [1091]    computer  264  displays on display  266  “VITAL SIGNS DETERIORATING.” 
         [1092]    5) If:  
         [1093]    a) the change in SPO 2  is greater than +5% SAT; or  
         [1094]    b) the change in the ETCO 2  is less than −5 mm Hg;  
         [1095]    then,  
         [1096]    computer  264  displays on display  266  “VITAL SIGNS IMPROVING”.  
         [1097]    6) If:  
         [1098]    a) the change in SPO 2  is greater than or equal to −5% SAT, but less than or equal to +5% SAT; or  
         [1099]    b) the change in the ETCO 2  is more than or equal to −5 mm Hg, but less than or equal to +5 mm Hg;  
         [1100]    then,  
         [1101]    computer  264  displays on display  266  “VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.” 
         [1102]    Computer  264  preferably combines the results of these monitoring rules to display an integrated display  266  such as “BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING; VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.” 
         [1103]    In a checking rule step, the following rule is preferably applied:  
         [1104]    1) A patient appears to be entering respiratory failure phase if:  
         [1105]    a) the SPO 2  is less than 90% SAT;  
         [1106]    b) the respiratory rate is less than 8/min;  
         [1107]    c) ETCO 2  is greater than 60 mm Hg; and  
         [1108]    d) the patient&#39;s neurological symptoms are qualified as being “bad”;  
         [1109]    then,  
         [1110]    computer  264  displays “RESPIRATORY FAILURE; CONDITION CRITICAL; CONSIDER INTUBATION.” on display  266 .  
         [1111]    Once these changes in the patient&#39;s condition have been confirmed by an operator, the patient is consequentially intubated according to standard techniques and capnograph  252  is activated in intubation monitoring mode by computer  264 . Once the successful intubation of the patient is verified by data comparison of the patient&#39;s capnogram and standardized capnograms for intubation in computer  264 , the computer displays “MONITORING FOR INTUBATION”.  
         [1112]    Thereafter, the following check rule is preferably applied to the patient&#39;s capnogram:  
         [1113]    1. If:  
         [1114]    a) ETCO 2  is greater than 15 mm Hg;  
         [1115]    then,  
         [1116]    computer  264  displays “GOOD WAVEFORM, TUBE IN TRACHEA. CONFIRM AND SECURE TUBE.” 
         [1117]    In the next step, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the patient&#39;s capnogram:  
         [1118]    1) If:  
         [1119]    a) the value of ETCO 2  is greater than 15 mm Hg;  
         [1120]    then,  
         [1121]    computer  266  displays “MONITORING TUBE POSITION: NO DISLODGEMENT” on display  268 .  
         [1122]    2) If:  
         [1123]    a) the value of ETCO 2  is less than or equal to 15 mm Hg; or  
         [1124]    b) there is a loss of the waveform;  
         [1125]    then,  
         [1126]    computer  264  displays “ALERT: CHECK FOR TUBE DISLODGEMENT” on display  266 .  
         [1127]    Reference is now made to FIG. 15, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in a hospital environment operative for distinguishing between heart failure and emphysema in a situation where a hospital patient becomes short of breath. As seen in FIG. 15, in a hospital environment, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  270 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  272 , such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  274 , a finger sensor  276 , a forehead/scalp sensor  278  and a blood pressure cuff  280  respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  282 .  
         [1128]    The outputs of the capnograph  272  and possibly of additional instrumentation  282  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  284 , having an associated display  286  which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  272  and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here “SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT”. This diagnostic statement would suggest treatment for emphysema rather than for heart failure. Breathing treatment is administered after which a diagnostic statement which indicates the patient status and the severity of the respiratory condition is preferably presented, here “MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM, CONDITION IMPROVING” 
         [1129]    Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 16A and 16B, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 15. FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate the utility of using the capnograph in both diagnostic and monitoring modes as an aid to diagnosis and monitoring respectively.  
         [1130]    The patient in the hospital environment, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph  272  and the suitable instrumentation, by means of cannula  270  and preferably also by means of chest electrodes  274 , finger sensor  276 , forehead/scalp sensor  278  and blood pressure cuff  280 , is monitored continuously. The neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Values of CO 2  concentration, ECG, NIBP and SPO 2  are continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram and other waveforms and stored on computer  284 .  
         [1131]    In the above exemplified scenario (FIG. 15), the medical team initially do not know whether the patient&#39;s symptoms are indicative of a breathing-related medical problem, such as emphysema, or from a heart related medical problem, such as heart failure. The following methodology assists and enables the medical team to reach the correct diagnosis. In contrast, in FIG. 11 above, there were no indications that the patient&#39;s diagnosis could include a heart-related episode.  
         [1132]    Thereafter, the onset and offset limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined by computer  284 . The initial slope of the capnogram and the run are determined and stored in computer  284 ;  
         [1133]    At a startup stage, computer  284  checks to verify that a valid signal is received from capnograph  272 . In a case where the signal is indicative of there being obstructive lung disease, due to the sluggish run time for example or an acute angled initial slope, then the mode of monitoring on capnograph  272  is shifted to its bronchospastic monitoring mode.  
         [1134]    In a monitoring rule stage, the following rule is preferably applied to the values of the end tidal value of exhaled carbon dioxide:  
         [1135]    1) If:  
         [1136]    a) ETCO 2  is greater than 15 mm Hg;  
         [1137]    then,  
         [1138]    computer  284  displays on display  286  “GOOD WAVEFORM QUALITY; CRITERIA FOR BRONCHOSPASM MET: STARTING MONITORING”.  
         [1139]    Thereafter a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) diagnostic rule application to the previous sample step I) is initiated.  
         [1140]    I) Sampling Step  
         [1141]    a) A sample of expired air is taken and conveyed from cannula  270  to capnograph  272 .  
         [1142]    b) The carbon dioxide concentration is measured continuously by capnograph  272  as a capnogram.  
         [1143]    c) The capnogram is digitized as waveform and store for analysis by computer  284 .  
         [1144]    d) Computer  284  marks onset and offset limits of the capnogram.  
         [1145]    e) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by:  
         [1146]    i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and  
         [1147]    ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.  
         [1148]    f) The slope and the run are determined by computer  284 .  
         [1149]    II) Diagnostic Rule Application Step  
         [1150]    In a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters of I) Sampling step by computer  284 :  
         [1151]    1) If:  
         [1152]    a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range;  
         [1153]    b) the respiratory rate is normal;  
         [1154]    c) CO 2  run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec;  
         [1155]    d) CO 2  slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1156]    e) SPO 2  is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and  
         [1157]    f) ETCO 2  is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg;  
         [1158]    then,  
         [1159]    display  286  shows the message “NO BROCHOSPASM PRESENT.” 
         [1160]    2) In contrast, if:  
         [1161]    a) CO 2  run is greater than 0.3 sec;  
         [1162]    b) CO 2  slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1163]    c) SPO 2  is greater than or equal to 91% SAT, but less than 95% SAT; and  
         [1164]    d) ETCO 2  is less than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1165]    then,  
         [1166]    the message “MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” is displayed on display  286 .  
         [1167]    3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if:  
         [1168]    a) CAP-FEV1 is less than 50%;  
         [1169]    b) SPO 2  is less than 91% SAT; and  
         [1170]    c) ETCO 2  is greater than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1171]    then,  
         [1172]    a message such as “SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” is displayed on display  286 .  
         [1173]    At any one of the diagnostic rule application steps, it may be verified that the patient is suffering from bronchospasm. Once bronchospasm is verified, the operator switches capnograph  272  to a serial comparison mode. The medical team applies the appropriate interventions to the patient to treat the bronchospasm.  
         [1174]    Thereafter, a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) monitoring rule application step to the previous sample step I) is initiated.  
         [1175]    I) Sampling Step  
         [1176]    a) A sample of expired air is taken and conveyed from cannula  270  to capnograph  272 .  
         [1177]    b) The carbon dioxide concentration is measured continuously by capnograph  272  as a capnogram.  
         [1178]    c) The capnogram is digitized as waveform and store for analysis by computer  284 .  
         [1179]    d) Computer  284  marks onset and offset limits of the capnogram.  
         [1180]    e) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by:  
         [1181]    i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and  
         [1182]    ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.  
         [1183]    f) The slope and the run are determined by computer  284 .  
         [1184]    II) Monitoring Rule Application Step  
         [1185]    After each time interval, the difference between consecutive measures of each parameter are calculated by computer  284 : Thereafter, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  284 .  
         [1186]    1) If:  
         [1187]    a) the difference in the run values is greater than 0.1 sec; and  
         [1188]    b) the difference in the slope is less than −15 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1189]    then,  
         [1190]    computer  284  displays on display  286  “BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING”.  
         [1191]    2) If:  
         [1192]    a) the difference in the run values is more negative than −0.1 sec; and  
         [1193]    b) the difference in the slope is more than +15 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1194]    then,  
         [1195]    computer  284  displays on display  286  “BRONCHOSPASM IMPROVING” 
         [1196]    If:  
         [1197]    a) the difference in the run is more than or equal to −0.1 sec, but is less than or equal to 0.1 sec; or  
         [1198]    b) the difference in the slope is more than or equal to − 15  mm Hg/sec and less than or equal to +15 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1199]    then,  
         [1200]    computer  284  displays on display  286  “BRONCHOSPASM UNCHANGED”.  
         [1201]    The change in patient&#39;s vital functional activities, including SPO 2  and ETCO 2 , over the time interval are calculated by computer  284 .  
         [1202]    4) If:  
         [1203]    a) the change in SPO 2  is more negative than −5% SAT; or  
         [1204]    b) the change in the ETCO 2  is more than +5 mm Hg;  
         [1205]    then,  
         [1206]    computer  284  displays on display  286  “VITAL SIGNS DETERIORATING.” 
         [1207]    5) If:  
         [1208]    a) the change in SPO 2  is greater than +5% SAT; or  
         [1209]    b) the change in the ETCO 2  is less than −5 mm Hg;  
         [1210]    then,  
         [1211]    computer  284  displays on display  286  “VITAL SIGNS IMPROVING”.  
         [1212]    6) If:  
         [1213]    a) the change in SPO 2  is greater than or equal to −5% SAT, but less than or equal to +5% SAT; or  
         [1214]    b) the change in the ETCO 2  is more than or equal to −5 mm Hg, but less than or equal to +5 mm Hg;  
         [1215]    then,  
         [1216]    computer  284  displays on display  286  “VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.” 
         [1217]    Computer  284  preferably combines the results of these monitoring rules to display an integrated display  286  such as “BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING; VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.” 
         [1218]    Once the medical interventions have concluded and the patient&#39;s disposition has been determined, the operator switches the capnograph back to its diagnostic mode.  
         [1219]    Reference is now made to FIG. 17, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in a hospital environment, operative for continuously monitoring correct tube position in an intubated patient. As seen in FIG. 17, in a hospital environment, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  300 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  302 , such as a Microcap®, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  304 , a finger sensor  306 , a forehead/scalp sensor  308  and a blood pressure cuff  310  respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  312 .  
         [1220]    The outputs of the capnograph  302  and possibly of additional instrumentation  312  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  314 , having an associated display  316  which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  302  and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here “ALERT !!! LOSS OF CO 2  WAVEFORM” preferably accompanied by a treatment recommendation, here CHECK FOR TUBE DISLODGEMENT”. Following re-intubation, a revised diagnostic statement, here “CO 2  WAVEFORM RESTORED, TUBE IN TRACHEA”, preferably accompanied by a treatment recommendation, here “SECURE TUBE” appears.  
         [1221]    Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 18, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 17.  
         [1222]    The patient in the hospital environment, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph  302  and instrumentation  312 , by means of cannula  200  and preferably also by means of chest electrodes  304 , finger sensor  306 , forehead/scalp sensor  308  and blood pressure cuff  310 , is monitored continuously. The neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Expired air is collected via cannula  300  and is conveyed to the capnograph  302 .  
         [1223]    Values of CO 2  concentration, ECG, NIBP and SPO 2  are continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram and together with other waveforms are stored on computer  314 .  
         [1224]    The onset and offset limits of the patient&#39;s capnogram from capnograph  302  are delineated by computer  314 .  
         [1225]    The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by:  
         [1226]    i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 1 mm Hg; and  
         [1227]    ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.  
         [1228]    If the quality is unacceptable, further samples are collected until a sample of acceptable quality, according to the above two criteria, is taken.  
         [1229]    The next step entails a checking procedure, wherein the ETCO 2  value is measured by capnograph  302 .  
         [1230]    The following checking rule is preferably applied.  
         [1231]    1) If:  
         [1232]    a) the ETCO 2  value is more than 15 mm Hg;  
         [1233]    then,  
         [1234]    a display is provided by computer  314  stating “GOOD WAVEFORM, TUBE IN TRACHEA, CONFIRM AND SECURE TUBE” on display  316 .  
         [1235]    If the intubation is successful, the operator confirms this, by for example, entering the relevant code into computer  314 , and capnograph  302  is then entered into an intubation monitoring mode. The patient is monitored continuously. Thus, computer  314  displays “MONITORING INTUBATION” on display  316 .  
         [1236]    If there is a loss of the signal from capnograph  302 , it may be indicative that the cannula tube  300  has slipped away from the patient&#39;s trachea In such a case, the computer preferably displays “ALERT: CHECK FOR TUBE DISLODGEMENT”.  
         [1237]    Thereafter a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) diagnostic rule application to the previous sample step I) is initiated.  
         [1238]    I) Sampling Step  
         [1239]    In this sampling step, an exhaled air sample from cannula  300  is periodically collected, conveyed and measured by capnograph  302 . The carbon dioxide concentration value is determined continuously by capnograph  302 . Computer  314  digitizes the capnograph signals as a waveform and store the waveform for analysis.  
         [1240]    Thereafter, the ETCO 2  value is determined.  
         [1241]    II) Diagnostic Rule Application Step.  
         [1242]    The following diagnostic rules are applied to each sample:  
         [1243]    1) If:  
         [1244]    a) The value of ETCO 2  is greater or equal to 15 mm Hg; and  
         [1245]    b) There is no loss in the waveform from capnograph  302 ; then,  
         [1246]    computer  314  displays “MONITORING TUBE POSITION: NO DISLODGMENT” on display  316 .  
         [1247]    2) If:  
         [1248]    a) The value of ETCO 2  is less than or equal to 15 mm Hg; or  
         [1249]    b) There is a loss in the waveform from capnograph  302 ;  
         [1250]    then,  
         [1251]    computer  314  displays “ALERT: CHECK FOR TUBE DISLODGMENT” on display  316 .  
         [1252]    This cycle typically proceeds until the patient monitoring is halted by the medical team or operator.  
         [1253]    Reference is now made to FIG. 19, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology, operative in a hospital environment, for continuously monitoring the respiratory status of a spontaneously breathing patient in first operational scenario. As seen in FIG. 19, in a hospital environment, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  330 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  332 , such as a Microcap®, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  334 , a finger sensor  336 , a forehead/scalp sensor  338  and a blood pressure cuff  340  respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  342 .  
         [1254]    The outputs of the capnograph  332  and possibly of additional instrumentation  342  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  344 , having an associated display  346  which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  332  and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here “PATIENT STABLE-NO CHANGE IN CLINICAL PARAMETERS. If a change occurs in the patient respiratory status, a diagnostic statement, here “ALERT: MILD BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” appears on the display  346 , indicating to medical personnel that a bronchospastic condition is present. Following administration of breathing treatment, an updated diagnostic statement appears, here “GOOD RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT”.  
         [1255]    Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 20, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 19.  
         [1256]    The patient in the hospital environment, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph  332  and instrumentation  342 , by means of cannula  330  and preferably also by means of chest electrodes  334 , finger sensor  336 , forehead/scalp sensor  338  and blood pressure cuff  340 , is monitored continuously. The neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Expired air is collected via cannula  300  and is conveyed to the capnograph  332 .  
         [1257]    Values of CO 2  concentration, ECG, NIBP and SPO 2  are continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram and together with other waveforms are stored on computer  344 .  
         [1258]    The onset and offset limits of the patient&#39;s capnogram from capnograph  332  are delineated by computer  344 .  
         [1259]    The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by:  
         [1260]    i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and  
         [1261]    ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.  
         [1262]    If the quality is unacceptable, further samples are collected until a sample of acceptable quality, according to the above two criteria, is taken.  
         [1263]    The next step entails a checking procedure, wherein the ETCO 2  value is measured by capnograph  332 . The slope and run values of the capnogram from capnograph  332  are determined by computer  344 .  
         [1264]    At startup, the following checking rule is preferably applied.  
         [1265]    1) If  
         [1266]    a) the ETCO 2  value is more than 15 mm Hg;  
         [1267]    then,  
         [1268]    a display is provided by computer  344  stating “GOOD WAVEFORM, QUALITY: MONITORING FOR BRONCHOSPASM”.  
         [1269]    If the monitoring is successful, the operator confirms this, by for example, entering the relevant code into computer  344 , and capnograph  332  is then entered into a diagnostic monitoring mode. The patient is monitored continuously by capnograph  332 .  
         [1270]    Thereafter a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) diagnostic rule application to the previous sample step I) is initiated.  
         [1271]    I) Sampling Step  
         [1272]    a) A sample of expired air is taken and conveyed from cannula  330  to capnograph  332 .  
         [1273]    b) The carbon dioxide concentration is measured continuously by capnograph  332  as a capnogram.  
         [1274]    c) The capnogram is digitized as waveform and store for analysis by computer  344 .  
         [1275]    d) Computer  344  marks onset and offset limits of the capnogram.  
         [1276]    e) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by:  
         [1277]    i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and  
         [1278]    ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.  
         [1279]    f) The slope and the run are determined by computer  344 .  
         [1280]    II) Diagnostic Rule Application Step  
         [1281]    In a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters of I) Sampling step by computer  344 :  
         [1282]    1) If:  
         [1283]    a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range;  
         [1284]    b) the respiratory rate is normal;  
         [1285]    c) CO 2  run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec;  
         [1286]    d) CO 2  slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1287]    e) SPO 2  is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and  
         [1288]    f) ETCO 2  is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg; then,  
         [1289]    display  346  shows the message “NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT.” 
         [1290]    2) In contrast, if:  
         [1291]    a) CO 2  run is greater than 0.3 sec;  
         [1292]    b) CO 2  slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1293]    c) SPO 2  is greater or equal to 91% SAT, but less than 95% SAT; and  
         [1294]    d) ETCO 2  is less than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1295]    then,  
         [1296]    the message “MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” is displayed on display  346 . The patient then receives suitable breathing treatment as is shown in FIG. 19 hereinabove.  
         [1297]    3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if:  
         [1298]    a) CAP-FEV1 is less than 50%;  
         [1299]    b) SPO 2  is less than 91% SAT; and  
         [1300]    c) ETCO 2  is greater than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1301]    then,  
         [1302]    a message such as “SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” is displayed on display  346 .  
         [1303]    Reference is now made to FIGS. 21A and 21B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology, operative in a hospital environment, for continuously monitoring the respiratory status of a spontaneously breathing patient in a second clinical scenario. As seen in FIGS. 21A and 21B, in a hospital environment, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  350 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  352 , such as a Microcap®, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g; pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  354 , a finger sensor  356 , a forehead/scalp sensor  358  and a blood pressure cuff  360  respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  362 .  
         [1304]    The outputs of the capnograph  352  and possibly of additional instrumentation  362  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  364 , having an associated display  366  which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  352  and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here “PATIENT STABLE-NO CHANGE IN CLINICAL PARAMETERS. If a change occurs in the patient respiratory status, a diagnostic statement, here “ALERT: MILD BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” appears on the display  346 , indicating to medical personnel that a bronchospastic condition is present. Following administration of breathing treatment, an updated diagnostic statement appears, here “NO RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT”. Additional breathing treatment is administered and thereafter an updated diagnostic statement appears, here “NO RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT”, which may prompt the physician to transfer the patient to the ICU.  
         [1305]    Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 22A-22C, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIGS. 21A and 21B.  
         [1306]    The patient in the hospital environment, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph  352 , is monitored continuously for at least 30 seconds. Expired air is collected via cannula  350  and is conveyed to the capnograph  352 .  
         [1307]    Values of the CO 2  concentration is continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram and together with other waveforms are stored on computer  364 .  
         [1308]    The onset and offset limits of the patient&#39;s capnogram from capnograph  352  are delineated by computer  364 .  
         [1309]    The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by:  
         [1310]    i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and  
         [1311]    ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.  
         [1312]    If the quality is unacceptable, further samples are collected until a sample of acceptable quality, according to the above two criteria, is taken.  
         [1313]    The next step entails a checking procedure, wherein the ETCO 2  value is measured by capnograph  352 . The slope and run values of the capnogram from capnograph  352  are determined by computer  364 .  
         [1314]    At startup, the following checking rule is preferably applied.  
         [1315]    1) If:  
         [1316]    a) the ETCO 2  value is more than 15 mm Hg;  
         [1317]    then,  
         [1318]    a display is provided by computer  364  stating “GOOD WAVEFORM, QUALITY: MONITORING FOR BRONCHOSPASM”.  
         [1319]    If the monitoring is successful, the operator confirms this, by for example, entering the relevant code into computer  364 , and capnograph  352  is then entered into a diagnostic monitoring mode. The patient is monitored continuously by capnograph  352 .  
         [1320]    Thereafter a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) diagnostic rule application to the previous sample step I) is initiated.  
         [1321]    I) Sampling Step  
         [1322]    a) A sample of expired air is taken and conveyed from cannula  350  to capnograph  352 .  
         [1323]    b) The carbon dioxide concentration is measured continuously by capnograph  352  as a capnogram.  
         [1324]    c) The capnogram is digitized as waveform and store for analysis by computer  364 .  
         [1325]    d) Computer  364  marks onset and offset limits of the capnogram.  
         [1326]    e) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by:  
         [1327]    i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and  
         [1328]    ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.  
         [1329]    f) The slope and the run are determined by computer  364 .  
         [1330]    II) Diagnostic Rule Application Step  
         [1331]    In a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters of I) Sampling step by computer  364 :  
         [1332]    1) If:  
         [1333]    a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range;  
         [1334]    b) the respiratory rate is normal;  
         [1335]    c) CO 2  run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec;  
         [1336]    d) CO 2  slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1337]    e) SPO 2  is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and  
         [1338]    f) ETCO 2  is less than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1339]    then,  
         [1340]    display  366  shows the message “NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT.” 
         [1341]    2) In contrast, if:  
         [1342]    a) CO 2  run is greater than 0.3 sec;  
         [1343]    b) CO 2  slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1344]    c) SPO 2  is greater than or equal to 91% SAT, but less than 95% SAT; and  
         [1345]    d) ETCO 2  is less than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1346]    then,  
         [1347]    the message “MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” is displayed on display  366 .  
         [1348]    3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if:  
         [1349]    a) CAP-FEV1 is less than 50%;  
         [1350]    b) SPO 2  is less than 91% SAT; and  
         [1351]    c) ETCO 2  is greater than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1352]    then,  
         [1353]    a message such as “SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” is displayed on display  366 .  
         [1354]    At any one of the diagnostic rule application steps, it may be verified that the patient is suffering from bronchospasm. Once bronchospasm is verified, the operator switches capnograph  352  to a serial comparison mode. The medical team applies the appropriate interventions to the patient to treat the bronchospasm.  
         [1355]    The patient is attached multi-parameter monitor leads and instrumentation  362 , by means of cannula  350  and preferably also by means of chest electrodes  354 , finger sensor  356 , forehead/scalp sensor  358  and blood pressure cuff  360 , is monitored continuously. The neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique.  
         [1356]    Values of the CO 2  concentration monitored by capnograph  352 , and ECG, NIBP, cerebral oximetry and SPO 2  values, monitored by additional instrumentation  362  are supplied to computer  364 , and are typically measured continuously over a period of 30 seconds, by techniques as detailed hereinabove. The parameter data may be digitized as waveforms and are further stored for analysis by computer  364 . Thereafter, the limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined by computer  364 .  
         [1357]    The next step entails a checking procedure, wherein the ETCO 2  value is measured by capnograph  352 . The initial slope of the capnogram and the run, monitored by capnograph  352 , are calculated by computer  364 .  
         [1358]    At startup, the following checking rule is preferably applied.  
         [1359]    1) If:  
         [1360]    a) the ETCO 2  value is more than 15 mm Hg;  
         [1361]    then,  
         [1362]    a display is provided by computer  344  stating “GOOD WAVEFORM, QUALITY: MONITORING FOR BRONCHOSPASM”.  
         [1363]    If the monitoring is successful, the operator confirms this, by for example, entering the relevant code into computer  364 , and capnograph  352  is then entered into a diagnostic monitoring mode. The patient is monitored continuously by capnograph  352 .  
         [1364]    Thereafter, a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) monitoring rule application step to the previous sample step I) is initiated.  
         [1365]    I) Sampling Step  
         [1366]    a) A sample of expired air is taken and conveyed from cannula  350  to capnograph  352 .  
         [1367]    b) The carbon dioxide concentration is measured continuously by capnograph  352  as a capnogram.  
         [1368]    c) The capnogram is digitized as waveform and store for analysis by computer  364 .  
         [1369]    d) Computer  364  marks onset and offset limits of the capnogram.  
         [1370]    e) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by:  
         [1371]    i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and  
         [1372]    ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.  
         [1373]    f) The slope and the run are determined by computer  364 .  
         [1374]    II) Monitoring Rule Application Step  
         [1375]    After each time interval, the difference between consecutive measures of each parameter are calculated by computer  364 : Thereafter, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  364 . (  
         [1376]    1) If:  
         [1377]    a) the difference in the run values is greater than +0.1 sec; and  
         [1378]    b) the difference in the slope is more negative than −15 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1379]    then,  
         [1380]    computer  364  displays on display  366  “BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING”.  
         [1381]    2) If:  
         [1382]    a) the difference in the run values is more negative than −0.1 sec; and  
         [1383]    b) the difference in the slope is more than +15 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1384]    then,  
         [1385]    computer  364  displays on display  366  “BRONCHOSPASM IMPROVING”.  
         [1386]    3) If:  
         [1387]    a) the difference in the run values is equal to or greater than −0.1 sec, but less than or equal to +0.1 sec; or  
         [1388]    b) the difference in the slope is more than or equal to −15 mm Hg but less than or equal to +15 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1389]    then,  
         [1390]    computer  364  displays on display  366  “BRONCHOSPASM UNCHANGED”.  
         [1391]    The change in patient&#39;s vital functional activities, including SPO 2  and ETCO 2 , over the time interval are calculated by computer  364 .  
         [1392]    4 If:  
         [1393]    a) the decrease in SPO 2  is more than −5% SAT; or  
         [1394]    b) the increase in the ETCO 2  is more than 5 mm Hg;  
         [1395]    then,  
         [1396]    computer  364  displays on display  366  “VITAL SIGNS DETERIORATING.” 
         [1397]    5) If:  
         [1398]    a) the increase in SPO 2  is more than 5% SAT; or  
         [1399]    b) the decrease in the ETCO 2  is greater than −5 mm Hg;  
         [1400]    then,  
         [1401]    computer  364  displays on display  366  “VITAL SIGNS IMPROVING”.  
         [1402]    6) If:  
         [1403]    a) the change in SPO 2  is greater than or equal to −5% SAT but less than or equal to +5% SAT; or  
         [1404]    b) the change in the ETCO 2  is more than or equal to −5 mm Hg or less than or equal to +5 mm Hg;  
         [1405]    then,  
         [1406]    computer  364  displays on display  366  “VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED”.  
         [1407]    Computer  364  preferably combines the results of these monitoring rules to display an integrated display  366  such as “BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING; VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.” 
         [1408]    Once the medical interventions have concluded and the patient&#39;s disposition has been determined, the operator switches the capnograph back to its diagnostic mode.  
         [1409]    Reference is now made to FIGS. 23A and 23B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a physician&#39;s office environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of a spontaneously breathing patient in a first clinical scenario. As seen in FIGS. 23A and 23B, a child having an asthma attack is brought to a physician&#39;s office. Various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  400 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, 02/CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  402 , such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  404 , a finger sensor  406 , a forehead/scalp sensor  408  and a blood pressure cuff  410  respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  412 .  
         [1410]    The outputs of the capnograph  402  and preferably of additional instrumentation  404  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  416  having an associated display  418 , which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  402  and preferably other physiologic activities and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here “MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT”.  
         [1411]    The patient is given breathing treatments, such as beta agonist nebulizer treatments and following such treatments and/or in the course thereof, the physiologic activities of the patient continue to be monitored. This monitoring is employed by computer  160  to indicate the response to the breathing treatments and the current status of the bronchospasm condition. When the breathing treatments are successful, a status message, here “GOOD RESPONSE TO TREATMENT”, is presented accompanied by a disposition recommendation, here “CONSIDER DISCHARGE TO HOME” and the physician may allow the child to return home after the treatment.  
         [1412]    Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 24A and 24B, which illustrate the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIGS. 23A and 23B.  
         [1413]    The patient in the clinical environment, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph  402 , is monitored continuously for at least 30 seconds. Expired air is collected via cannula  400  and is conveyed to the capnograph  402 .  
         [1414]    Values of the CO 2  concentration is continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram and together with other waveforms are stored on computer  416 .  
         [1415]    The onset and offset limits of the patient&#39;s capnogram from capnograph  402  are delineated by computer  416 .  
         [1416]    The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by:  
         [1417]    i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and  
         [1418]    ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.  
         [1419]    If the quality is unacceptable, further samples are collected until a sample of acceptable quality, according to the above two criteria, is taken.  
         [1420]    The next step entails a checking procedure, wherein the ETCO 2  value is measured by capnograph  402 . The slope and run values of the capnogram from capnograph  402  are determined by computer  416 .  
         [1421]    At startup, the following checking rule is preferably applied.  
         [1422]    1) If:  
         [1423]    a) the ETCO 2  value is more than 15 mm Hg;  
         [1424]    then,  
         [1425]    a display is provided by computer  416  stating “GOOD WAVEFORM, QUALITY: MONITORING FOR BRONCHOSPASM”.  
         [1426]    If the monitoring is successful, the operator confirms this, by for example, entering the relevant code into computer  416 , and capnograph  402  is then entered into a diagnostic monitoring mode. The patient is monitored continuously by capnograph  402 .  
         [1427]    Thereafter a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) diagnostic rule application to the previous sample step I) is initiated. The sampling step is typically performed every 15 minutes for one hour after the treatment.  
         [1428]    I) Sampling Step  
         [1429]    a) A sample of expired air is taken and conveyed from cannula.  400  to capnograph  402 .  
         [1430]    b) The carbon dioxide concentration is measured continuously by capnograph  402  as a capnogram  417 .  
         [1431]    c) The capnogram is digitized as waveform and store for analysis by computer  416 .  
         [1432]    d) Computer  416  marks onset and offset limits of the capnogram.  
         [1433]    e) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by:  
         [1434]    i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and  
         [1435]    ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.  
         [1436]    f) The slope and the run are determined by computer  416 .  
         [1437]    II) Diagnostic Rule Application Step  
         [1438]    In a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters of I) Sampling step by computer  416 :  
         [1439]    I) If:  
         [1440]    a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range;  
         [1441]    b) the respiratory rate is normal;  
         [1442]    c) CO 2  run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec;  
         [1443]    d) CO 2  slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1444]    e) SPO 2  is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and  
         [1445]    f) ETCO 2  is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg;  
         [1446]    then,  
         [1447]    display  418  shows the message “NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT.” 
         [1448]    2) In contrast, if:  
         [1449]    a) CO 2  run is greater than 0.3 sec;  
         [1450]    b) CO 2  slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1451]    c) SPO 2  is more than or equal to 91% SAT, but less than 95% SAT; and  
         [1452]    d) ETCO 2  is less than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1453]    then,  
         [1454]    the message “MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” is displayed on display  418 .  
         [1455]    3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if:  
         [1456]    a) CAP-FEV1 is less than 50%;  
         [1457]    b) SPO 2  is less than 91% SAT; and  
         [1458]    c) ETCO 2  is greater than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1459]    then,  
         [1460]    a message such as “SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” is displayed on display  418 .  
         [1461]    At any one of the diagnostic rule application steps, it may be verified that the patient is suffering from bronchospasm. Once bronchospasm is verified, the operator switches capnograph  402  to a serial comparison mode. The medical team applies the appropriate interventions to the patient to treat the bronchospasm.  
         [1462]    The following rule is preferably applied to the capnogram by computer  416 :  
         [1463]    i) If:  
         [1464]    a) the value of CAP-FEV1 is greater than 50%; and  
         [1465]    b) the slope is greater or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec; and,  
         [1466]    c) the angle of rise of the carbon dioxide concentration is greater than a predetermined value in degrees  
         [1467]    then,  
         [1468]    computer  416  displays a message on display  418 : “GOOD RESPONSE TO TREATMENT: CONSIDER DISCHARGE HOME.” 
         [1469]    Reference is now made to FIGS. 25A and 25B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a physician&#39;s office environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of a spontaneously breathing patient in a second clinical scenario. As seen in FIGS. 25A and 25B, a child having an asthma attack is brought to a physician&#39;s office. Various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  420 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, 02/CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414′, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  422 , such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiological activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  424 , a finger sensor  426 , a forehead/scalp sensor  428  and a blood pressure cuff  430  respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  432 .  
         [1470]    The outputs of the capnograph  422  and preferably of additional instrumentation  424  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  426  having an associated display  428 , which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  422  and preferably other physiologic activities and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here “MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT”.  
         [1471]    The patient is given breathing treatments, such as beta agonist nebulizer treatments and following such treatments and/or in the course thereof, the physiologic activities of the patient continue to be monitored. This monitoring is employed by computer  426  to indicate the response to the breathing treatments and the current status of the bronchospasm condition. When the breathing treatments are not successful, a status message, here “POOR RESPONSE TO TREATMENT”, is presented accompanied by a disposition recommendation, here “CONSIDER ADMISSION TO HOSPITAL” and the physician may send the child to the hospital.  
         [1472]    Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 26A and 26B, which illustrate the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIGS. 25A and 25B.  
         [1473]    The patient in the clinical environment, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph  422 , is monitored continuously for at least 30 seconds. Expired air is collected via cannula  420  and is conveyed to the capnograph  422 .  
         [1474]    Values of the CO 2  concentration is continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram and together with other waveforms are stored on computer  426 .  
         [1475]    The onset and offset limits of the patient&#39;s capnogram from capnograph  422  are delineated by computer  426 .  
         [1476]    The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by:  
         [1477]    i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and  
         [1478]    ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.  
         [1479]    If the quality is unacceptable, further samples are collected until a sample of acceptable quality, according to the above two criteria, is taken.  
         [1480]    The next step entails a checking procedure, wherein the ETCO 2  value is measured by capnograph  422 . The slope and run values of the capnogram from capnograph  422  are determined by computer  426 .  
         [1481]    At startup, the following checking rule is preferably applied.  
         [1482]    1) If:  
         [1483]    a) the ETCO 2  value is more than 15 mm Hg;  
         [1484]    then,  
         [1485]    a display is provided by computer  426  stating “GOOD WAVEFORM, QUALITY: MONITORING FOR BRONCHOSPASM”.  
         [1486]    If the monitoring is successful, the operator confirms this, by for example, entering the relevant code into computer  426 , and capnograph  422  is then entered into a diagnostic monitoring mode. The patient is monitored continuously by capnograph  422 .  
         [1487]    Thereafter a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) diagnostic rule application to the previous sample step I) is initiated. The sampling step is typically performed every 15 minutes for one hour after the treatment.  
         [1488]    I) Sampling Step  
         [1489]    a) A sample of expired air is taken and conveyed from cannula  420  to capnograph  422 .  
         [1490]    b) The carbon dioxide concentration is measured continuously by capnograph  422  as a capnogram.  
         [1491]    c) The capnogram is digitized as waveform and store for analysis by computer  426 .  
         [1492]    d) Computer  426  marks onset and offset limits of the capnogram.  
         [1493]    e) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by:  
         [1494]    i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and  
         [1495]    ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.  
         [1496]    f) The slope and the run are determined by computer  426 .  
         [1497]    II) Diagnostic Rule Application Step  
         [1498]    In a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters of I) Sampling step by computer  426 :  
         [1499]    1) If:  
         [1500]    a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range;  
         [1501]    b) the respiratory rate is normal;  
         [1502]    c) CO 2  run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec;  
         [1503]    d) CO 2  slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1504]    e) SPO 2  is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and  
         [1505]    f) ETCO 2  is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg;  
         [1506]    then,  
         [1507]    display  428  shows the message “NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT.” 
         [1508]    2) In contrast, if:  
         [1509]    a) CO 2  run is greater than 0.3 sec;  
         [1510]    b) CO 2  slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1511]    c) SPO 2  is greater than or equal to 91% SAT, but less than 95% SAT; and  
         [1512]    d) ETCO 2  is less than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1513]    then,  
         [1514]    the message “MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” is displayed on display  428 .  
         [1515]    3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if:  
         [1516]    a) CAP-FEV1 is less than 50%;  
         [1517]    b) SPO 2  is less than 91% SAT; and  
         [1518]    c) ETCO 2  is greater than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1519]    then,  
         [1520]    a message such as “SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” is displayed on display  428 .  
         [1521]    At any one of the diagnostic rule application steps, it may be verified that the patient is suffering from bronchospasm. Once bronchospasm is verified, the operator switches capnograph  422  to a serial comparison mode. The medical team applies the appropriate interventions to the patient to treat the bronchospasm.  
         [1522]    The following rule is preferably applied to the capnogram by computer  426 :  
         [1523]    1) If:  
         [1524]    a) the value of CAP-FEV  1  is less than 50%; and  
         [1525]    b) the slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec; and,  
         [1526]    c) the angle of rise of the carbon dioxide concentration is less than a predetermined value in degrees;  
         [1527]    then,  
         [1528]    computer  426  displays a message on display  428 : “POOR RESPONSE TO TREATMENT: CONSIDER ADMISSION TO HOSPITAL INTENSIVE CARE.” 
         [1529]    Reference is now made to FIGS. 27A and 27B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an ambulance environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm from an allergic reaction, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition. As seen in FIGS. 27A and 27B, a child complains of difficulty breathing. The parent summons an ambulance and similarly to that described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 9, in an ambulance environment various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  450 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  452 , such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  454 , a finger sensor  456 , a forehead/scalp sensor  458  and a blood pressure cuff  460  respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  462 . Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), cerebral perfusion (e.g. CEREBRAL OXIMETRY), oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  462 .  
         [1530]    The outputs of the capnograph  452  and preferably of additional instrumentation  462  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  464  having an associated display  466 , which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  452  and preferably other physiologic activities and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement indicating the presence of lower airway obstruction, here “ALERT: MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT”. The presence of bronchospasm definitively indicates lower airway obstruction.  
         [1531]    The patient is given breathing treatment, such as a beta agonist nebulizer treatment and following such treatment and/or in the course thereof, the physiologic activities of the patient continue to be monitored. This monitoring is employed by computer  464  to indicate the response to the breathing treatment and the current status of the patient condition. In the scenario of FIGS. 14A and 14B, the patient fails to respond sufficiently to the breathing treatment and this is indicated by a status change statement, here “POOR RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, CONDITION CRITICAL”. A treatment recommendation may also be provided, such as “CONSIDER INTUBATION”.  
         [1532]    Intubation is performed and correct initial tube placement is confirmed followed by continuous monitoring of the physiologic activities of the patient, which indicate current tube position. In this scenario, where intubation is successful, a status statement, here: “ADEQUATE CO 2  WAVEFORM-TUBE IN TRACHEA” and a treatment recommendation, here “SECURE TUBE” appear.  
         [1533]    Following successful intubation, continuous monitoring may provide a status statement such as “ADEQUATE CO 2  WAVEFORM-TUBE IN TRACHEA-NO DISLOGEMENT”. If tube dislodgment occurs at any time following intubation, a status statement would appear, such as “CO 2  WAVEFORM ABSENT” preferably accompanied by a treatment recommendation, such as “CHECK FOR TUBE DISLOGEMENT”.  
         [1534]    Preferably some or all of the outputs of computer  464  are transmitted in a wireless manner by a transmitter  468 , such as via radio or a cellular telephone link, preferably to a dispatch center or patient receiving facility.  
         [1535]    Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 28, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIGS. 27A and 27B. FIG. 28 illustrates an example of the system and methodology applied to assessing whether a patient has an upper or lower airway obstruction, in the duration of the patient being transferred by ambulance.  
         [1536]    In the scenario described in FIGS. 27A and 27B hereinabove, it is presumed that the patient may be having an allergic reaction. The operator switches capnograph  452  into an assessing mode so as to enable an assessment to be made whether and if the patient has an upper or a lower airway disorder.  
         [1537]    The patient previously attached to a multi-parameter monitor including a capnograph  452  and suitable instrumentation  462 , by means of cannula  450  and preferably also by means of chest electrodes  454 , finger sensor  456 , forehead sensor  458  and blood pressure cuff  460 , is monitored continuously for at least thirty seconds. Neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique, including visual and electroencephalograph (EEG) monitoring. Values of CO 2  concentration, ECG, NIBP and (the percent saturation of the hemoglobin molecule with oxygen) SPO 2  are continuously monitored, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram  452  and together with other waveforms are stored in computer  464 .  
         [1538]    At least one expired air sample is collected and conveyed for analysis by capnograph  452 . The outputs of the capnograph  452  and possibly of additional instrumentation  462  are preferably supplied to suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  464 , having associated display  466 , which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  452 .  
         [1539]    In an analyzing step, the onset and offset limits of a capnogram  469 , pulse waveforms, and the QRS complex (of the ECG) are marked by computer  464 . The actual parameters measured include, but are not limited to heart rate (HR), BP, the systolic to diastolic ratio (SYS/DIA). SPO 2 , AND ETCO 2 . The slope of CO 2  (mm Hg/sec), and CO 2  “run”, of the capnogram  469 , measured to 80% of maximum CO 2  concentration, are calculated by computer  464 .  
         [1540]    Following each treatment, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are computed by computer  464 . Thereafter, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  464 :  
         [1541]    1) If:  
         [1542]    a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range;  
         [1543]    b) the respiratory rate is normal; and  
         [1544]    c) ETCO 2  is less than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1545]    then,  
         [1546]    display  466  shows the message “VITAL SIGNS STABLE”.  
         [1547]    2) In contrast, if:  
         [1548]    1) If:  
         [1549]    a) the blood pressure values are not within the normal range;  
         [1550]    b) the respiratory rate is not normal; and  
         [1551]    c) ETCO 2  is more than or equal to 45 mm Hg;  
         [1552]    then,  
         [1553]    display  466  shows the message “RESPIRATORY IMPAIRMENT”.  
         [1554]    Additionally, the following rules may also be applied:  
         [1555]    3) If:  
         [1556]    a) CO 2  run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec; and  
         [1557]    b) CO 2  slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1558]    then,  
         [1559]    display  466  shows the message “NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT: CONSIDER UPPER AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION”.  
         [1560]    4) If:  
         [1561]    a) CO 2  run is more than 0.3 sec;  
         [1562]    b) CO 2  slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1563]    then,  
         [1564]    display  466  shows the message “BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT: CONSIDER LOWER AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION”.  
         [1565]    The findings of the last stage are stored by computer  464  and/or transmitted via transmitter  468  to a dispatch/receiving center, typically located at a hospital or medical center. A connection is established with the dispatch/receiving center, and the data is forwarded thereto. A medical supervisor typically watches display of the received data, and consequentially transmits the recommended treatment and/or transport recommendations back to the ambulance.  
         [1566]    After each time interval, the difference between consecutive measures of each parameter are calculated by computer  464 : Thereafter, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  464 .  
         [1567]    1) If:  
         [1568]    a) the difference in the run values is greater than +0.1 sec; and  
         [1569]    b) the difference in the slope is more negative than −15 mm Hg/sec; then,  
         [1570]    computer  464  displays on display  466  “BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING”.  
         [1571]    2) If:  
         [1572]    a) the difference in the run values is more negative than −0.1 sec; and  
         [1573]    b) the difference in the slope is more positive than +15 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1574]    then,  
         [1575]    computer  464  displays on display  466  “BRONCHOSPASM IMPROVING”.  
         [1576]    3) If:  
         [1577]    a) the difference in the run is greater or equal to −0.1 sec, but less than or equal to +0.1 Sec; or  
         [1578]    b) the difference in the slope is more than or equal to −15 mm Hg/sec and less than or equal to +15 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1579]    then,  
         [1580]    computer  464  displays on display  466  “BRONCHOSPASM UNCHANGED”.  
         [1581]    The change in patient&#39;s vital functional activities, including SPO 2  and ETCO 2 , over the time interval are calculated by computer  464 .  
         [1582]    4) If:  
         [1583]    a) the decrease in SPO 2  is more negative than −5% SAT; or  
         [1584]    b) the increase in the ETCO 2  is more than +5 mm Hg;  
         [1585]    then,  
         [1586]    computer  184  displays on display  186  “VITAL SIGNS DETERIORATING.” 
         [1587]    5) If:  
         [1588]    a) the increase in SPO 2  is more than +5% SAT; or  
         [1589]    b) the decrease in the ETCO 2  is more than −5 mm Hg;  
         [1590]    then,  
         [1591]    computer  464  displays on display  466  “VITAL SIGNS IMPROVING”.  
         [1592]    6) If:  
         [1593]    a) the change in SPO 2  is greater than or equal to −5% SAT, but less than or equal to +5% SAT, or  
         [1594]    b) the change in the ETCO 2  is more than or equal to −5 mm Hg, but less than or equal to +5 mm Hg;  
         [1595]    then,  
         [1596]    computer  464  displays on display  466  “VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.” 
         [1597]    Computer  464  preferably combines the results of these monitoring rules to display an integrated display  466  such as “BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING; VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.” 
         [1598]    In a checking rule step, the following rule is preferably applied:  
         [1599]    1) A patient appears to be entering respiratory failure phase if:  
         [1600]    a) the SPO 2  is less than 90% SAT;  
         [1601]    b) the respiratory rate is less than 8/min;  
         [1602]    c) ETCO 2  is greater than 60 mm Hg; and  
         [1603]    d) the patient&#39;s neurological symptoms are qualified as being “bad”;  
         [1604]    then,  
         [1605]    computer  464  displays “RESPIRATORY FAILURE; CONDITION CRITICAL; CONSIDER INTUBATION.” on display  466 .  
         [1606]    Following this, in an alert data transmission stage, a high priority update is transmitted via transmitter  468  from computer  464  to notify the dispatch/receiving centers of the significant deterioration and change in the patient&#39;s condition.  
         [1607]    Once these changes in the patient&#39;s condition have been confirmed by an operator, the patient is consequentially intubated according to standard techniques and capnograph  452  is activated in intubation monitoring mode by computer  464 . Once the successful intubation of the patient is verified by data comparison of the patient&#39;s capnogram and standardized capnograms for intubation in computer  464 , the computer displays “MONITORING FOR INTUBATION”.  
         [1608]    Thereafter, the following check rule is preferably applied to the patient&#39;s capnogram:  
         [1609]    1. If:  
         [1610]    a) ETCO 2  is greater than 15 mm Hg;  
         [1611]    then  
         [1612]    computer  464  displays “GOOD WAVEFORM, TUBE IN TRACHEA. CONFIRM AND SECURE TUBE.” 
         [1613]    In the next step, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the patient&#39;s capnogram:  
         [1614]    1) If:  
         [1615]    a) the value of ETCO 2  is greater than 15 mm Hg;  
         [1616]    then,  
         [1617]    computer  214  displays “MONITORING TUBE POSITION: NO DISLODGEMENT” on display  216 .  
         [1618]    2) If:  
         [1619]    a) the value of ETCO 2  is less than or equal to 15 mm Hg; or  
         [1620]    b) there is a loss of the waveform;  
         [1621]    then,  
         [1622]    computer  464  displays “ALERT: CHECK FOR TUBE DISLODGEMENT” on display  466 .  
         [1623]    Computer  464  transmits the data monitored via transmitter  468  to the receiving center. The receiving center periodically receives updates of the patient&#39;s condition, who is in the ambulance en route to the hospital, in order to prepare in the most fitting and efficient transfer of the patient upon arrival to the hospital.  
         [1624]    A copy of the patient&#39;s record is handed off from computer  464  via transmitter  468  to the receiving center, for example, in the form of a chart. Typically, the receiving center stores this chart, so that it may be used as a baseline for continued monitoring of the patient.  
         [1625]    Reference is now made to FIG. 29, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an ambulance environment for distinguishing between upper airway obstruction and lower airway obstruction, such as distinguishing between asthma and croup, bronchiolitis and croup, and allergic reactions affecting the upper or lower airways. As seen in FIG. 29, a person complains of difficulty breathing. An ambulance is summoned and similarly to that described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 17, in an ambulance environment various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  470 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  472 , such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  474 , a finger sensor  476 , a forehead/scalp sensor  478  and a blood pressure cuff  480  respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  482 . Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), cerebral perfusion (e.g. CEREBRAL OXIMETRY), oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  482 .  
         [1626]    The outputs of the capnograph  472  and preferably of additional instrumentation  482  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  484  having an associated display  486 , which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  472  and preferably other physiologic activities and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement differentiating upper airway obstruction from lower airway obstruction, here “ELEVATED RESPIRATORY RATE. NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT”. The absence of bronchospasm in this scenario strongly suggests upper airway obstruction.  
         [1627]    The patient is given an intravenous or intra-muscular medication, such as adrenaline, and following such treatment and/or in the course thereof, the physiologic activities of the patient continue to be monitored. This monitoring is employed by computer  484  to indicate the response to the treatment and the current status of the patient condition. In the scenario of FIG. 29, the patient responds to the treatment and this is indicated by a status change statement, here “CONDITION STABLE”. Preferably some or all of the outputs of computer  484  are transmitted in a wireless manner by a transmitter  488 , such as via radio or a cellular telephone link, preferably to a dispatch center or patient receiving facility.  
         [1628]    Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 30, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 29. The patient is treated in an ambulance environment as is described hereinabove in FIG. 29, and the patient is being assessed to see whether his/her upper or lower airway is obstructed. The methodology illustrates the case where an upper obstruction is found.  
         [1629]    In the scenario described in FIG. 29 hereinabove, it is presumed that the patient may be having an allergic reaction. The operator switches capnograph  452  into an assessing mode so as to enable an assessment to be made whether and if the patient has an upper or a lower airway disorder.  
         [1630]    The patient previously attached to a multi-parameter monitor including a capnograph  472  and suitable instrumentation  482 , by means of cannula  470  and preferably also by means of chest electrodes  474 , finger sensor  476 , forehead sensor  478  and blood pressure cuff  480 , is monitored continuously for at least thirty seconds. Neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique, including visual and electroencephalograph (EEG) monitoring. Values of CO 2  concentration, ECG, NIBP and SPO 2  are continuously monitored, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram  472  and together with other waveforms are stored in computer  484 .  
         [1631]    At least one expired air sample is collected and conveyed for analysis by capnograph  472 . The outputs of the capnograph  472  and possibly of additional instrumentation  482  are preferably supplied to suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  484 , having associated display  486 , which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  472 .  
         [1632]    In an analyzing step, the onset and offset limits of a capnogram  489 , pulse waveforms, and the QRS complex (of the ECG) are marked by computer  484 . The actual parameters measured include, but are not limited to heart rate (HR), BP, the systolic to diastolic ratio (SYS/DIA). SPO 2 , AND ETCO 2 . The slope of CO 2  (mm Hg/sec), and CO 2  “run”, of the capnogram  489 , measured to 80% of maximum CO 2  concentration, are calculated by computer  484 .  
         [1633]    Following each treatment, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are computed by computer  484 . Thereafter, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  484 :  
         [1634]    1) If:  
         [1635]    a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range;  
         [1636]    b) the respiratory rate is normal; and  
         [1637]    c) ETCO 2  is less than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1638]    then,  
         [1639]    display  486  shows the message “VITAL SIGNS STABLE”.  
         [1640]    2) In contrast, if:  
         [1641]    1) If:  
         [1642]    a) the blood pressure values are not within the normal range;  
         [1643]    b) the respiratory rate is not normal; and  
         [1644]    c) ETCO 2  is more than or equal to 45 mm Hg;  
         [1645]    then,  
         [1646]    display  486  shows the message “RESPIRATORY IMPAIRMENT”.  
         [1647]    Additionally, the following rules may also be applied:  
         [1648]    3) If:  
         [1649]    a) CO 2  run is less than 0.3 sec;  
         [1650]    b) CO 2  slope is more than 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1651]    then,  
         [1652]    display  486  shows the message “NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT”.  
         [1653]    4) If:  
         [1654]    a) CO 2  run is more than 0.3 sec;  
         [1655]    b) CO 2  slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1656]    then,  
         [1657]    display  486  shows the message “BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT: CONSIDER LOWER AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION”.  
         [1658]    The findings of the last stage are stored by computer  484  and/or transmitted via transmitter  488  to a dispatch/receiving center, typically located at a hospital or medical center. A connection is established with the dispatch/receiving center, and the data is forwarded thereto. A medical supervisor typically watches display of the received data, and consequentially transmits the recommended treatment and/or transport recommendations back to the ambulance.  
         [1659]    A copy of the patient&#39;s record is handed off from computer  464  via transmitter  488  to the receiving center, for example, in the form of a chart. Typically, the receiving center stores this chart, so that it may be used as a baseline for continued monitoring of the patient.  
         [1660]    Reference is now made to FIG. 31, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology for distinguishing between heart failure and emphysema in a scenario in which heart failure is present. As seen in FIG. 31, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  500 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal. FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  502 , such as a Microcap®, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  504 , a finger sensor  506 , a forehead/scalp sensor  508  and a blood pressure cuff  510  respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  512 .  
         [1661]    The outputs of the capnograph  502  and possibly of additional instrumentation  512  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  514 , having an associated display  516  which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  517  and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement differentiating heart failure from emphysema, here “ABNORMAL CO 2  WAVEFORM CONSISTENT WITH MODERATE CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE”.  
         [1662]    This diagnostic statement indicates that treatment is required for heart failure rather than for emphysema. Intravenous and/or sublingual medications such as nitroglycerin, morphine and LASIX R  are administered after which a diagnostic statement which indicates the patient status and the severity of the cardio-respiratory condition is preferably presented, here “MILD CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, CONDITION IMPROVING” 
         [1663]    Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 32A and 32B, which illustrate the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 31. The patient is treated in an ambulance environment as is described hereinabove in FIG. 15, and the patient is being assessed to see whether his/her upper or lower airway is obstructed. The methodology illustrates the case where an upper obstruction is found.  
         [1664]    In the scenario described in FIG. 31 hereinabove, it is presumed that the patient may be suffering from either emphysema or a heart failure in an ambulance. It is shown hereinbelow how the patient is diagnosed as having a heart failure.  
         [1665]    The patient, previously attached to a multi-parameter monitor including a capnograph  502  and suitable instrumentation  512 , by means of cannula  500  and preferably also by means of chest electrodes  504 , finger sensor  506 , forehead sensor  508  and blood pressure cuff  510 , is monitored continuously for at least thirty seconds. Neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique, including visual and electroencephalograph (EEG) monitoring. Values of CO 2  concentration, ECG, NIBP and SPO 2  are continuously monitored, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram  517  and together with other waveforms are stored in computer  514 .  
         [1666]    At least one expired air sample is collected and conveyed for analysis by capnograph  472 . The outputs of the capnograph  502  and possibly of additional instrumentation  512  are preferably supplied to suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  514 , having associated display  516 , which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  502 .  
         [1667]    In an analyzing step, the onset and offset limits of a capnogram  517 , pulse waveforms, and the QRS complex (of the ECG) are marked by computer  514 . The actual parameters measured include, but are not limited to heart rate (HR), BP, the systolic to diastolic ratio (SYS/DIA). SPO 2 , AND ETCO 2 . The slope of CO 2  (mm Hg/sec), and CO 2  “run”, of the capnogram  517 , measured to 80% of maximum CO 2  concentration, are calculated by computer  514 .  
         [1668]    Following each treatment, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are computed by computer  514 . Thereafter, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  514 :  
         [1669]    1) If:  
         [1670]    a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range;  
         [1671]    b) the respiratory rate is normal; and  
         [1672]    c) ETCO 2  is less than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1673]    then, display  516  shows the message “VITAL SIGNS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS”.  
         [1674]    2) In contrast, if:  
         [1675]    a) the value of Diminished CAP-FEV1 is a 40:10 point ratio; and,  
         [1676]    b) Normal CAP-FEV1/FVC (FORCED VITAL CAPACITY);  
         [1677]    c) CO 2  run is less than 0.3 sec;  
         [1678]    d) CO 2  slope is more than 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1679]    then,  
         [1680]    display  516  shows the message “HEART FAILURE PRESENT”.  
         [1681]    Additionally, if a heart failure is present then the following rules may also be applied:  
         [1682]    3) If:  
         [1683]    a) the value of CAP-FEV1 is less than 80%;  
         [1684]    then  
         [1685]    display  516  shows the message “MODERATE HEART FAILURE PRESENT”.  
         [1686]    4) If:  
         [1687]    a) the value of CAP-FEV1 is less than 80%,  
         [1688]    b) the value of SPO 2  is less than 91% SAT; and  
         [1689]    c) the value of ETCO 2  is less than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1690]    then,  
         [1691]    display  516  shows the message “SEVERE HEART FAILURE PRESENT”.  
         [1692]    Thereafter a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) diagnostic rule application to the previous sample step I) is initiated.  
         [1693]    I) Sampling Step  
         [1694]    a) A sample of expired air is taken and conveyed from cannula  500  to capnograph  502 .  
         [1695]    b) The carbon dioxide concentration is measured continuously by capnograph  502  as capnogram  517 .  
         [1696]    c) The capnogram is digitized as waveform and store for analysis by computer  514 .  
         [1697]    d) Computer  514  marks onset and offset limits of the capnogram.  
         [1698]    e) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by:  
         [1699]    i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and  
         [1700]    ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.  
         [1701]    f) The slope and the run are determined by computer  514 .  
         [1702]    II) Diagnostic Rule Application Step  
         [1703]    In a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters of I) Sampling step by computer  514 :  
         [1704]    I) If:  
         [1705]    a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range;  
         [1706]    b) the respiratory rate is normal;  
         [1707]    c) CO 2  run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec;  
         [1708]    d) CO 2  slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1709]    e) SPO 2  is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and  
         [1710]    f) ETCO 2  is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg;  
         [1711]    then,  
         [1712]    display  516  shows the message “NO HEART FAILURE PRESENT.” 
         [1713]    2) If:  
         [1714]    a) the value of CAP-FEV1 is more than 50%, but less than or equal to 80%; and  
         [1715]    b) the value of SPO 2  is greater or equal to 91% SAT but less than 95% SAT;  
         [1716]    then  
         [1717]    display  516  shows the message “. MODERATE HEART FAILURE PRESENT”.  
         [1718]    3) If:  
         [1719]    a) the value of CAP-FEV1 is less than 80%;  
         [1720]    b) the value of SPO 2  is less than 91% SAT; and  
         [1721]    c) the value of ETCO 2  is less than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1722]    then,  
         [1723]    display  516  shows the message “SEVERE HEART FAILURE PRESENT”.  
         [1724]    Reference is now made to FIG. 33, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in an ambulance environment for treating pulmonary edema. As seen in FIG. 33, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  550 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, 02/CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  552 , such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  554 , a finger sensor  556 , a forehead/scalp sensor  558  and a blood pressure cuff  560  respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  562 .  
         [1725]    The outputs of the capnograph  552  and possibly of additional instrumentation  562  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  564 , having an associated display  566  which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  552  and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement indicating the presence and severity of congestive heart failure, here “ABNORMAL CO 2  WAVEFORM CONSISTENT WITH SEVERE CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE”.  
         [1726]    This diagnostic statement indicates that treatment is required for heart failure. Intravenous and/or sublingual medications such as nitroglycerin, morphine and LASIX R are administered after which a diagnostic statement which indicates the patient status and the severity of the cardio-respiratory condition is preferably presented, here “MODERATE CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, CONDITION IMPROVING”.  
         [1727]    Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 34A and 34B, which illustrate the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 33.  
         [1728]    The patient previously attached to a multi-parameter monitor including a capnograph  552  and suitable instrumentation  562 , by means of cannula  550  and preferably also by means of chest electrodes  554 , finger sensor  556 , forehead sensor  558  and blood pressure cuff  560 , is monitored continuously for at least thirty seconds. Neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique, including visual and electroencephalograph (EEG) monitoring. Values of CO 2  concentration, ECG, NIBP, SPO 2 , and cerebral oximetry are continuously monitored, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram  567  and together with other waveforms are stored in computer  564 .  
         [1729]    At least one expired air sample is collected and conveyed for analysis by capnograph  552 . The outputs of the capnograph  552  and possibly of additional instrumentation  562  are preferably supplied to suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  564 , having associated display  566 , which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  552 .  
         [1730]    In an analyzing step, the onset and offset limits of a capnogram  567 , pulse waveforms, and the QRS complex (of the ECG) are marked by computer  564 . The actual parameters measured include, but are not limited to heart rate (HR), BP, the systolic to diastolic ratio (SYS/DIA). SPO 2 , AND ETCO 2 . The slope of CO 2  (mm Hg/sec), and CO 2  “run”, of the capnogram  567 , measured to 80% of maximum CO 2  concentration, are calculated by computer  564 .  
         [1731]    Following each treatment, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are computed by computer  564 . Thereafter, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  564 :  
         [1732]    1) If:  
         [1733]    a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range;  
         [1734]    b) the respiratory rate is normal; and  
         [1735]    c) ETCO 2  is less than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1736]    then,  
         [1737]    display  566  shows the message “VITAL SIGNS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS”.  
         [1738]    2) In contrast, if:  
         [1739]    a) the value of Diminished CAP-FEV1 is a 40:10 point ratio;  
         [1740]    b) Normal CAP-FEV/FVC;  
         [1741]    c) CO 2  run is less than 0.3 sec; and,  
         [1742]    d) CO 2  slope is more than 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1743]    then,  
         [1744]    display  566  shows the message “BRONCHOSPASM IS PRESENT”.  
         [1745]    Additionally, if bronchospasm is present then the following rules may also be applied:  
         [1746]    3) If:  
         [1747]    a) the value of CAP-FEV1 is less than 80%;  
         [1748]    then  
         [1749]    display  566  shows the message “MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM IS PRESENT”.  
         [1750]    4) If:  
         [1751]    a) the value of CAP-FEV1 is less than 80%;  
         [1752]    b) the value of SPO 2  is less than 91% SAT; and  
         [1753]    c) the value of ETCO 2  is less than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1754]    then,  
         [1755]    display  566  shows the message “SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT”.  
         [1756]    Thereafter a cycle of alternating. I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) diagnostic rule application to the previous sample step I) is initiated:  
         [1757]    I) Sampling Step  
         [1758]    a) A sample of expired air is taken and conveyed from cannula  550  to capnograph  552 .  
         [1759]    b) The carbon dioxide concentration is measured continuously by capnograph  552  as capnogram  567 .  
         [1760]    c) The capnogram is digitized as waveform and store for analysis by computer  564 .  
         [1761]    d) Computer  564  marks onset and offset limits of the capnogram.  
         [1762]    e) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by:  
         [1763]    i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and  
         [1764]    ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.  
         [1765]    f) The slope and the run are determined by computer  564 .  
         [1766]    II) Diagnostic Rule Application Step  
         [1767]    In a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters of I) Sampling step by computer  564 :  
         [1768]    1) If:  
         [1769]    a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range;  
         [1770]    b) the respiratory rate is normal;  
         [1771]    c) CO 2  run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec;  
         [1772]    d) CO 2  slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1773]    e) SPO 2  is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and  
         [1774]    f) ETCO 2  is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg;  
         [1775]    then,  
         [1776]    display  566  shows the message “NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT.” 
         [1777]    2) In contrast, if:  
         [1778]    a) CO 2  run is greater than 0.3 sec;  
         [1779]    b) CO 2  slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec;  
         [1780]    c) SPO 2  is more than or equal to 91% SAT, but less than 95% SAT; and  
         [1781]    d) ETCO 2  is less than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1782]    then,  
         [1783]    the message “MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” is displayed on display  566 .  
         [1784]    3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if:  
         [1785]    a) CAP-FEV1 is less than 50%;  
         [1786]    b) SPO 2  is less than 91% SAT; and  
         [1787]    c) ETCO 2  is greater than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1788]    then,  
         [1789]    a message such as “SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT” is displayed on display  566 .  
         [1790]    At any one of the diagnostic rule application steps, it may be verified that the patient is suffering from bronchospasm. Once bronchospasm is verified, the operator switches capnograph  552  to a serial comparison mode. The medical team applies the appropriate interventions to the patient to treat the bronchospasm.  
         [1791]    Reference is now made to FIG. 35, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital or EMS environment for diagnosing and treating respiratory failure. As seen in FIG. 35, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  570 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, 02/CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  572 , such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  574 , a finger sensor  576 , a forehead/scalp sensor  578  and a blood pressure cuff  580  respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  582 .  
         [1792]    Following intubation of the patient and prior to securing the tube, the outputs of the capnograph  572  and possibly of additional instrumentation  582  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  584 , having an associated display  586  which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  572  and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement indicating proper intubation, here “TUBE IN TRACHEA”.  
         [1793]    The system determines whether characteristics of the capnograph waveform amplitude are normal. If the CO 2  levels as indicated by the capnograph waveform amplitude are below normal a diagnostic statement indicating right mainstem bronchus intubation is presented, here “ABNORMAL WAVEFORM, CHECK FOR RIGHT MAINSTEM BRONCHUS INTUBATION”.  
         [1794]    Following repositioning of the tube, the system provides a patient status statement, here “WAVEFORM NORMALIZED, TUBE IN TRACHEA.  
         [1795]    Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 36, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 35.  
         [1796]    The patient in an ambulance, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph  572 , is monitored continuously for at least 30 seconds. Expired air is collected via cannula  570  and is conveyed to the capnograph  572 .  
         [1797]    Values of the CO 2  concentration is continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram and together with other waveforms are stored on computer  584 .  
         [1798]    The onset and offset limits of the patient&#39;s capnogram from capnograph  572  are delineated by computer  584 .  
         [1799]    The waveform quality of the capnogram  587  is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by:  
         [1800]    i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 1 mm Hg; and  
         [1801]    ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.  
         [1802]    If the quality is unacceptable, further samples are collected until a sample of acceptable quality, according to the above two criteria, is taken.  
         [1803]    The next step entails a checking procedure, wherein the ETCO 2  value is measured by capnograph  572 . The slope and run values of the capnogram from capnograph  572  are determined by computer  584 .  
         [1804]    At startup, the following checking rule is preferably applied.  
         [1805]    1) If:  
         [1806]    a) the ETCO 2  value is more than 15 mm Hg;  
         [1807]    then,  
         [1808]    a display is provided by computer  584  stating “GOOD WAVEFORM, TUBE IN TRACHEA”.  
         [1809]    In a checking step, repeated checks for abnormal waveform shape of capnogram  587 . The following rules are preferably applied to the capnogram shape:  
         [1810]    1) if:  
         [1811]    a) an abnormal waveform shape is observed;  
         [1812]    then,  
         [1813]    computer  584  displays “TUBE IMPROPERLY POSITONED: CHECK FOR RIGHT MAINSTEM INTUBATION” on display  586 .  
         [1814]    2) If:  
         [1815]    a) a normal waveform shape is observed;  
         [1816]    then,  
         [1817]    computer  584  displays “TUBE PROPERLY POSITONED: CONFIRM BREATH SOUNDS AND SECURE TUBE” on display  586 .  
         [1818]    When tube is secure as is confirmed by an operator, the operator typically inputs a code into computer  584  to activate an intubation monitoring mode in capnograph  572 . The capnogram is monitored continuously for loss of signal. Loss of signal from capnograph  572  is indicative of the tube having slipped away from the trachea. As long as there is a regular signal, computer  584  displays “MONITORING INTUBATION” on display  586 .  
         [1819]    Reference is now made to FIG. 37, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for diagnosing and treating pulmonary embolism. As seen in FIG. 37, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  600 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  602 , such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  604 , a finger sensor  606 , a forehead/scalp sensor  608  and a blood pressure cuff  610  respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  612 .  
         [1820]    The outputs of the capnograph  602  and possibly of additional instrumentation  612  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  614 , having an associated display  616  which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  602  and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement alerting hospital staff to the possible presence of pulmonary embolism. A typical such statement is “ALERT: ABNORMAL WAVEFORM CONSISTENT WITH PULMONARY EMBOLISM”. Following intravenous medication for dissolving blood clots in the lungs, the system determines whether characteristics of the CO 2  waveform amplitude and shape are approaching normal and preferably provides a patient status statement, here “WAVEFORM NORMALIZING, GOOD RESPONSE TO TREATMENT”.  
         [1821]    Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 38, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 37.  
         [1822]    The patient, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph  602  and instrumentation  612 , by means of cannula  600  and preferably also by means of chest electrodes  604 , finger sensor  606 , scalp/forehead sensor  608  and blood pressure cuff  610 , is monitored continuously. The neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Values of CO 2  concentration, ECG, NIBP and SPO 2  are continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram  617  and other waveforms and stored by computer  614 .  
         [1823]    Thereafter, the onset and offset limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined by computer  614 . The heart rate, blood pressure ETCO 2  and SPO 2  values are measured. The initial slope of the capnogram and the run, monitored by capnograph  602 , are calculated by computer  614 . Additionally, neurological findings, monitored by means of an EEG are inputted to computer  614 .  
         [1824]    At various intervals, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are evaluated by computer  614 . After each treatment, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rule is preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  614 :  
         [1825]    1) If:  
         [1826]    a) the heart rate is greater than 100/min;  
         [1827]    b) the SPO 2  is less than 90% SAT;  
         [1828]    c) the EtCO 2  is less than 35 mm Hg;  
         [1829]    d) the amplitude (area under curve) of the CO 2  waveform is less than a predetermined value;  
         [1830]    e) the ECG is normal; and  
         [1831]    f) the respiratory rate is greater than 15/min;  
         [1832]    display  616  shows the message “ALERT: VITAL SIGNS CONSISTENT WITH ACUTE PULMONARY EMBOLISM”.  
         [1833]    After each time interval, the difference between consecutive measures of each parameter are calculated by computer  614 : Thereafter, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  614 .  
         [1834]    1) If:  
         [1835]    a) the decrease in the SPO 2  values is greater than −5% SAT; or  
         [1836]    b) the difference in the ETCO 2  slope is greater than +5 mm Hg;  
         [1837]    then,  
         [1838]    computer  614  displays on display  616  “PATIENT STATUS: DETERIORATING”.  
         [1839]    2) If:  
         [1840]    a) the increase in the SPO 2  values is greater than +5% SAT; or  
         [1841]    b) the difference in the ETCO 2  slope is more than −5 mm Hg;  
         [1842]    then,  
         [1843]    computer  614  displays on display  616  “PATIENT STATUS:IMPROVING”.  
         [1844]    3) If:  
         [1845]    a) the difference in the SPO 2  values is more positive than or equal to −5% SAT, but less than or equal to +5%; or  
         [1846]    b) the difference in the ETCO 2  slope greater than or equal to −5 mm Hg, but less than or equal to +5 mm Hg;  
         [1847]    then,  
         [1848]    computer  614  displays on display  616  “PATIENT STATUS:UNCHANGED”.  
         [1849]    Following the monitoring stage, the following exit rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters of the patient by computer  232 :  
         [1850]    I) If:  
         [1851]    a) the ECG values are within normal limits;  
         [1852]    b) the respiratory rate is within normal limits;  
         [1853]    c) the heart rate is within normal limits;  
         [1854]    d) the SPO 2  value is greater than 95% SAT; and  
         [1855]    e) the ETCO 2  value is less than 45 mm Hg;  
         [1856]    then,  
         [1857]    Computer  614  preferably displays on display  616  “VITAL SIGNS STABLE”.  
         [1858]    (If the patient&#39;s record complies with this exit rule, then a copy of the patient&#39;s record is handed-off from computer  616  to the receiving center, for example, in the form of a chart. Typically, the receiving center stores this chart, so that it may be used as a baseline for continued monitoring of the patient).  
         [1859]    Reference is now made to FIGS. 39A and 39B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for determining correct placement of a nasogastric tube in a patient. As seen in FIGS. 39A and 39B, following insertion of a nasogastric tube in a patient, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  630 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  632 , such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  634 , a finger sensor  636 , a forehead/scalp sensor  638  and a blood pressure cuff  640  respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  642 .  
         [1860]    The outputs of the capnograph  632  and possibly of additional instrumentation  642  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  644 , having an associated display  646  which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  632  and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a status statement alerting hospital staff to the possible misplacement of the nasogastric tube. A typical such statement is, “NASOGASTRIC (NG) TUBE IN LUNG”. This status statement is preferably accompanied by a treatment recommendation: here “REPOSITION NASOGASTRIC TUBE”. Following repositioning of the nasogastric tube, a status statement confirming proper placement is preferably provided, here “NASOGASTRIC TUBE  1 N STOMACH”. This statement is preferably accompanied by a treatment recommendation, here “SECURE TUBE”.  
         [1861]    Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 40, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIGS. 39A and 39B.  
         [1862]    The patient, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph- 632 , is monitored continuously for at least 30 seconds. Expired air is collected via cannula  630  and is conveyed to the capnograph  632 .  
         [1863]    Values of the CO 2  concentration is continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram  647  and, together with other waveforms, is stored on computer  644 .  
         [1864]    The onset and offset limits of the patient&#39;s capnogram from capnograph  632  are delineated by computer  644 .  
         [1865]    The waveform quality of the capnogram  647  is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by:  
         [1866]    i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 1 mm Hg; and  
         [1867]    ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.  
         [1868]    If the quality is unacceptable, further samples are collected until a sample of acceptable quality, according to the above two criteria, is taken.  
         [1869]    The next step entails a checking procedure, wherein the ETCO 2  value is measured by capnograph  632 . The slope and run values of the capnogram from capnograph  632  are determined by computer  644 .  
         [1870]    The following checking rules are preferably applied.  
         [1871]    1) If:  
         [1872]    a) the ETCO 2  value is less than or equal to 15 mm Hg; or  
         [1873]    b) there is a loss of the waveform of capnogram  647 ;  
         [1874]    then,  
         [1875]    a display is provided by computer  644  stating “NO WAVEFORM PRESENT, NG TUBE NOT IN TRACHEA”.  
         [1876]    2) If:  
         [1877]    a) the ETCO 2  value is more than or equal to 15 mm Hg; or  
         [1878]    b) profile of exhaled gas is detected as a waveform of capnogram  647 ;  
         [1879]    then,  
         [1880]    a display is provided by computer  644  stating “CO 2  DETECTED, NG TUBE IN TRACHEA.” 
         [1881]    Reference is now made to FIG. 41, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for determining the presence of acute myocardial infarction in a patient. As seen in FIG. 41, following a patient complaint of chest pains, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  650 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal-FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  652 , such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  654 , a finger sensor  656 , a forehead/scalp sensor  658  and a blood pressure cuff  660  respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  662 .  
         [1882]    The outputs of the capnograph  652  and possibly of additional instrumentation  662  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  664 , having an associated display  666  which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  652  and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement alerting hospital staff to the possibility of occurrence of acute myocardial infarction. A typical such statement is “VITAL SIGNS CONSISTENT WITH HEART ATTACK. CONDITION CRITICAL”. Following sublingual and/or intravenous administration of a medicament such as nitroglycerin and morphine, a patient status statement is preferably provided, here “GOOD RESPONSE TO TREATMENT. CONDITION IMPROVING”.  
         [1883]    Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 42, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 41.  
         [1884]    The patient, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph  652  and suitable instrumentation  662 , by means of cannula  650  and preferably also by means of chest electrodes  654 , finger sensor  656 , forehead/scalp sensor  658 , and blood pressure cuff  660 , is monitored continuously. The neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Values of CO 2  concentration, HR, BP (SYS/DIA) ECG, NIBP and SPO 2  are continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram  667  and other waveforms and stored on computer  664 .  
         [1885]    Thereafter, the onset and offset limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined by computer  664 . The initial slope of the capnogram and the run are determined and stored in computer  664 .  
         [1886]    At various intervals, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are evaluated by computer  664 . After each treatment, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  664 :  
         [1887]    1) If:  
         [1888]    a) there is a localized elevation in the ST segment in the ECG; and  
         [1889]    b) the ETCO 2  is declining at least by 2 mm Hg/min over five minutes;  
         [1890]    then,  
         [1891]    display  666  shows the message “ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION (MI) SUSPECTED”.  
         [1892]    2) If:  
         [1893]    a) the SPO 2  value is less than 91% SAT; and  
         [1894]    b) the ETCO 2  value is less than 30 mm Hg;  
         [1895]    then,  
         [1896]    display  666  shows the message “VITAL SIGNS CRITICAL”.  
         [1897]    After each time interval, the difference between consecutive measures of each parameter are calculated by computer  664 : Thereafter, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  664 .  
         [1898]    1) If:  
         [1899]    a) the difference in the ST elevation in the ECG is greater than 0.1 mm and  
         [1900]    b) the difference in the ETCO 2  slope is less than −1 mm Hg/min;  
         [1901]    then,  
         [1902]    computer  664  displays on display  666  “PATIENT STATUS: WORSENING”.  
         [1903]    2) If:  
         [1904]    a) the difference in the ST elevation in the ECG is less than −0.1 mm and  
         [1905]    b) the difference in the ETCO 2  is more than 1 mm Hg/min;  
         [1906]    then,  
         [1907]    computer  664  displays on display  666  “PATIENT STATUS: IMPROVING”.  
         [1908]    3) If:  
         [1909]    a) the difference in the ST elevation in the ECG is more than or equal to −0.1 mm but less than or equal to 0.1 mm; or  
         [1910]    b) the difference in the ETCO 2  is more than or equal to −1 mm Hg/min and is less than or equal to 1 mm Hg/min;  
         [1911]    then,  
         [1912]    computer  664  displays on display  666  “PATIENT STATUS: UNCHANGED”.  
         [1913]    Reference is now made to FIG. 43, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for determining the presence of cardiogenic shock in a patient. As seen in FIG. 43, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  670 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal. FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  672 , such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest-electrodes  674 , a finger sensor  676 , a forehead/scalp sensor  678  and a blood pressure cuff  680  respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  682 .  
         [1914]    The outputs of the capnograph  672  and possibly of additional instrumentation  682  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  684 , having an associated display  686  which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  672  and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement alerting hospital staff to the possibility of occurrence of cardiogenic shock. A typical such statement is “VITAL SIGNS CONSISTENT WITH CARDIOGENIC SHOCK. CONDITION CRITICAL”. Following intravenous administration of a medicament such as dopamine dobutamine, a patient status statement is preferably provided, here “CONDITION IMPROVING”.  
         [1915]    Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 44, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 43.  
         [1916]    The patient, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph  672  and suitable instrumentation  682 , by means of cannula  670  and preferably also by means of chest electrodes  674 , finger sensor  676 , forehead/scalp sensor  678  and blood pressure cuff  680 , is monitored continuously. The neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Values of CO 2  concentration, HR, BP (SYS/DIA) ECG, NIBP and SPO 2  are continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram  667  and other waveforms and stored on computer  684 .  
         [1917]    Thereafter, the onset and offset limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined by computer  684 . The initial slope of the capnogram and the run are determined and stored in computer  684 .  
         [1918]    At various intervals, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are evaluated by computer  684 .  
         [1919]    After each interval, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  684 ;  
         [1920]    1) If:  
         [1921]    a) the systolic blood pressure is less than 90 mm Hg;  
         [1922]    b) the heart rate is more than 100/min;  
         [1923]    c) the respiratory rate is more than 15/min; and  
         [1924]    d) and the ETCO 2  is less than 35 mm Hg;  
         [1925]    then,  
         [1926]    display  686  shows the message “ALERT: CONSIDER CARDIOGENIC SHOCK”.  
         [1927]    2) If:  
         [1928]    a) the SPO 2  value is less than 91% SAT; and  
         [1929]    b) the ETCO 2  value is less than 30 mm Hg;  
         [1930]    then,  
         [1931]    display  686  shows the message “VITAL SIGNS CRITICAL”.  
         [1932]    After each time interval, the difference between consecutive measures of each parameter are calculated by computer  684 : Thereafter, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  684 .  
         [1933]    1) If:  
         [1934]    a) the difference in the systolic blood pressure is less than −5 mm Hg; and  
         [1935]    b) the difference in the ETCO 2  is less than −1 mm Hg/min;  
         [1936]    then,  
         [1937]    computer  664  displays on display  666  “PATIENT STATUS:WORSENING”.  
         [1938]    2) If:  
         [1939]    a) the difference in the systolic blood pressure is more than 5 mm Hg; and  
         [1940]    b) the difference in the ETCO 2  is more than 1 mm Hg/min;  
         [1941]    then,  
         [1942]    computer  664  displays on display  666  “PATIENT STATUS:IMPROVING”.  
         [1943]    3) If:  
         [1944]    a) the difference in the systolic blood pressure is more than or equal to −5 mm Hg and less than or equal to +5 mm Hg; and/or  
         [1945]    b) the difference in the ETCO 2  is more than or equal to −1 mm Hg/min and is less than or equal to 1 mm Hg/min;  
         [1946]    then,  
         [1947]    computer  684  displays on display  686  “PATIENT STATUS:UNCHANGED”.  
         [1948]    Reference is now made to FIG. 45, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for determining the presence of cardiac arrest in a patient. As seen in FIG. 45, a patient who is found to be unconscious and unresponsive is subsequently connected to the system of the present invention. Various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  700 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  702 , such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  704 , a finger sensor  706 , a forehead/scalp sensor  708  and a blood pressure cuff  710  respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  712 .  
         [1949]    The outputs of the capnograph  702  and possibly of additional instrumentation  712  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  714 , having an associated display  716  which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  702  and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement alerting hospital staff to the possibility of occurrence of cardiac arrest. A typical such statement is “ALERT: CARDIAC ARREST”. Following treatment, typically including intubation and intravenous administration of a medicament such as adrenaline, during external cardiac massage, a patient status statement, indicating the effectiveness of the treatment is preferably provided, here “EFFECTIVE CARDIAC COMPRESSIONS.” The system also preferably diagnoses the return of spontaneous circulation and prompts the caregiver to check for the presence of a pulse, here by means of a diagnostic statement and a treatment recommendation such as “RETURN OF SPONTANEOUS CIRCULATION. CHECK FOR PULSE”.  
         [1950]    Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 46, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 45.  
         [1951]    The patient, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph  702  and suitable instrumentation  712 , by means of cannula  700  and preferably also by means of chest electrodes  704 , finger sensor  706 , forehead/scalp sensor  708 ′ and blood pressure cuff  710 , is monitored continuously. The neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Values of CO 2  concentration, HR, BP (SYS/DIA) ECG, NIBP and SPO 2  are continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram  717 , and is stored on computer  714  together with other waveforms.  
         [1952]    Thereafter, the onset and offset limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined by computer  714 . The initial slope of the capnogram and the run are determined and stored in computer  714 .  
         [1953]    At various intervals, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are evaluated by computer  714 .  
         [1954]    After each time interval, the difference between consecutive measures of each parameter are calculated by computer  714 : Thereafter, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer  714 .  
         [1955]    1) If:  
         [1956]    a) the heart rate is less than 30/min; and  
         [1957]    b) the ETCO 2  value is less than 15 mm Hg;  
         [1958]    then,  
         [1959]    computer  714  displays on display  716  “NO RETURN OF CIRCULATION”.  
         [1960]    2) If:  
         [1961]    a) the heart rate is more than or equal to 30/min; and  
         [1962]    b) the ETCO 2  value is more than or equal to 15 mm Hg;  
         [1963]    then,  
         [1964]    computer  714  displays on display  716  “RETURN OF CIRCULATION”.  
         [1965]    Reference is now made to FIG. 47, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a out of hospital environment for determining the presence of acute cardiac ischemia in a patient.  
         [1966]    As seen in FIG. 47, while a patient, undergoes treadmill testing in a doctor&#39;s office, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  730 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  732 , such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  734 , a finger sensor  736 , a forehead/scalp sensor  738  and a blood pressure cuff  740  respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  742 .  
         [1967]    The outputs of the capnograph  732  and possibly of additional instrumentation  742  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  744 , having an associated display  746  which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  732  and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here “VITAL SIGNS NORMAL”, which indicates normal patient condition. At some point thereafter, a further diagnostic statement appears, here, “ALERT: ACUTE CARDIAC ISCHEMIA”. :Upon noticing this statement, the physician causes the patient to lie down and administers oxygen treatment to the patient. The system assesses the patient&#39;s response to the treatment and provides a patient status message, here “VITAL SIGNS NORMAL”.  
         [1968]    Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 48, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 47.  
         [1969]    The patient, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph  732  and suitable instrumentation  742 , by means of cannula  730  and preferably also by means of chest electrodes  734 , finger sensor  736 , forehead/scalp sensor  738  and blood pressure cuff  740 , is monitored continuously. The neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Values of CO 2  concentration, HR, BP (SYS/DIA) ECG, NIBP and SPO 2  are continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram  747 , and is stored on computer  744  together with other waveforms.  
         [1970]    Thereafter, the onset and offset limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined by computer  744 . The initial slope of the capnogram and the run are determined and stored in computer  744 .  
         [1971]    In the next step, when the monitoring has been verified by the operator, that it is functioning correctly, the baseline cardiorespiratory pattern is stored in computer  744 .  
         [1972]    Thereafter, computer  744  and/or the operator activates capnograph  732  in a monitoring mode. The patient is monitored continuously by capnograph  732  for any significant change in the cardiorespiratory pattern.  
         [1973]    The following monitoring rule is preferably applied to capnogram  747  by computer  744 .  
         [1974]    1) If:  
         [1975]    a) a significant change in the cardiorespiratory pattern is apparent;  
         [1976]    then,  
         [1977]    computer  744  displays “MONITORING STRESS RESPONSE” on display  746 .  
         [1978]    Thereafter, a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) diagnostic rule application to the previous sample step I) is initiated.  
         [1979]    I) Sampling Step  
         [1980]    a) A sample of expired air is taken and conveyed from cannula  400  to capnograph  732 .  
         [1981]    b) The carbon dioxide concentration is measured continuously by capnograph  744  as a capnogram  747 .  
         [1982]    c) The capnogram is digitized as waveform and store for analysis by computer  744 .  
         [1983]    d) Computer  744  marks onset and offset limits of the capnogram.  
         [1984]    e) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by:  
         [1985]    i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and  
         [1986]    ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.  
         [1987]    f) The slope and the run are determined by computer  744 .  
         [1988]    II) Diagnostic Rule Application Step  
         [1989]    In a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters of each sample in I) Sampling step by computer  744 :  
         [1990]    1) If:  
         [1991]    a) there are no signs of ischemia (no elevation from baseline in the ECG ST segment; and no changes from baseline in the T-waves;  
         [1992]    b) there are no changes towards ischemia (rising ST-segment values on ECG from baseline, and dropping ETCO 2  values &gt;5 mm Hg from baseline);  
         [1993]    then,  
         [1994]    Computer  744  displays on display  746  “NO SIGNS OF ACUTE CARDIAC ISCHEMIA”.  
         [1995]    2) If:  
         [1996]    a) a) there are signs of ischemia; or  
         [1997]    b) there are changes towards ischemia; then,  
         [1998]    Computer  744  displays on display  746  “ALERT: SIGNS OF ACUTE CARDIAC ISCHEMIA”.  
         [1999]    Reference is now made to FIG. 49, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital or outpatient environment for sedation and/or anesthesia monitoring. As seen in FIG. 49, while a patient is under sedation and/or anesthesia, typically in the course of a medical procedure, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  800 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  802 , such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  804 , a finger sensor  806 , a forehead/scalp sensor  808  and a blood pressure cuff  810  respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  812 .  
         [2000]    The outputs of the capnograph  802  and possibly of additional instrumentation  812  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  814 , having an associated display  816  which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  802  and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement confirming proper respiration, here “NORMAL WAVEFORM RHYTHM”.  
         [2001]    If at a later stage during the medical procedure, a deviation from the patient&#39;s normal CO 2  waveform rhythm is sensed, a further diagnostic statement is provided, here “ALERT: SIGNIFICANT DEVIATION IN WAVEFORM RHYTHM”. This statement is preferably accompanied by a treatment recommendation, here “REDUCE SEDATION LEVEL”. Following reduction in the sedation level, a diagnostic statement which indicates the patient status is preferably presented, here “NORMAL WAVEFORM RHYTHM RESTORED”.  
         [2002]    Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 50, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 49.  
         [2003]    The patient, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph  802 , is typically monitored continuously for at least 30 seconds. Additionally or alternatively, the patient may be monitored for shorter or longer durations. Expired air is collected via cannula  800  and is conveyed to the capnograph  802 .  
         [2004]    Values of the CO 2  concentration are continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram  817  and, together with other waveforms, is stored on computer  814 .  
         [2005]    The onset and offset limits of the patient&#39;s capnogram from capnograph  802  are delineated by computer  814 .  
         [2006]    The waveform quality of the capnogram  817  is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by:  
         [2007]    i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 1 mm Hg; and  
         [2008]    ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.  
         [2009]    If the quality is unacceptable, further samples are collected until a sample of acceptable quality, according to the above two criteria, is taken.  
         [2010]    The next step entails a checking procedure, wherein the ETCO 2  value is measured by capnograph  632 . The slope and run values of the capnogram from capnograph  632  are determined by computer  644 .  
         [2011]    The following checking rule is preferably applied.  
         [2012]    1) If  
         [2013]    a) the ETCO 2  value is more than 15 mm Hg;  
         [2014]    then,  
         [2015]    a display is provided by computer  814  stating NORMAL WAVEFORM RHYTHM”.  
         [2016]    After the waveform rhythm has been confirmed by an operator, the capnograph is entered into its monitoring mode, either by the operator or by computer  814 . Capnograph  802  then monitors for any changes in the breathing pattern of the patient.  
         [2017]    Thereafter, computer  814  displays “MONITORING SEDATION” on display  646 .  
         [2018]    The next step entails a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) diagnostic rule application to the previous sample step I) is initiated.  
         [2019]    I) Sampling Step  
         [2020]    In this sampling step, an exhaled air sample from cannula  800  is periodically collected, conveyed and measured by capnograph  802 . The carbon dioxide concentration value is determined continuously by capnograph  802 . Computer  814  digitizes the capnograph signals as a waveform and store the waveform for analysis.  
         [2021]    Thereafter, the ETCO 2  value is determined.  
         [2022]    II) Diagnostic Rule Application Step.  
         [2023]    The following diagnostic rules are applied to each sample:  
         [2024]    1) If:  
         [2025]    a) The value of ETCO 2  is greater than or equal to 15 mm Hg; and  
         [2026]    b) There is no loss in the waveform from capnograph  802 ; and  
         [2027]    c) The respiratory rate is greater than or equal to 12/min;  
         [2028]    then,  
         [2029]    computer  814  displays “NORMAL VENTILATORY WAVEFORM AND RHYTHM” on display  816 .  
         [2030]    2) If:  
         [2031]    a) The value of ETCO 2  is less than 15 mm Hg; or  
         [2032]    b) There is a loss in the waveform from capnograph  802 ; or  
         [2033]    c) The respiratory rate is less than 10/min; or  
         [2034]    d) There is a decline in ETCO 2  of 50%; or  
         [2035]    e) There is a 50% increase in the pattern variability; or  
         [2036]    f) There is a 50% decrease in the pattern similarity;  
         [2037]    then,  
         [2038]    computer  814  displays “ALERT: DIMINISHED VENTILATORY WAVEFORM” on display  816 .  
         [2039]    This cycle typically proceeds until the patient monitoring is halted by the medical team or operator.  
         [2040]    Reference is now made to FIG. 51, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital or outpatient environment for sedation and/or anesthesia titration. As seen in FIG. 51, when a patient is being sedated prior to carrying out of a medical procedure, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula  900 , such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O 2 /CO 2  Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph  902 , such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes  904 , a finger sensor  906 , a forehead/scalp sensor  908  and a blood pressure cuff  910  respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation  912 .  
         [2041]    The outputs of the capnograph  902  and possibly of additional instrumentation  912  are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer  914 , having an associated display  916  which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph  902  and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a patient status statement confirming proper respiration, here “NORMAL RESPIRATORY PATTERN”. Following the administration of additional medication, a deviation from the patient&#39;s normal CO 2  waveform shape, amplitude or periodicity is sensed, a further status statement is provided, here “ALERT: MILD HYPOVENTILATION PRESENT”. Following the administration of additional medication which increases the sedation level, an additional diagnostic statement which indicates the patient status is preferably presented, here “ALERT MODERATE HYPOVENTILATION PRESENT”. This alert indicates that at this point, titration of medication is complete and the medical procedure may be commenced. Following completion of the medical procedure, monitoring continues until a further status statement, here “NORMAL RESPIRATORY PATTERN RESTORED” indicates normal respiration and that the patient may be safely discharged.  
         [2042]    Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 52, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 51.  
         [2043]    The patient, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph  902 , is monitored continuously for at least 30 seconds. Expired air is collected via cannula  900  and is conveyed to the capnograph  902 .  
         [2044]    Values of the CO 2  concentration is continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram  917  and, together with other waveforms, is stored on computer  914 .  
         [2045]    The onset and offset limits of the patient&#39;s capnogram from capnograph  902  are delineated by computer  914 .  
         [2046]    The waveform quality of the capnogram  917  is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by:  
         [2047]    i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and  
         [2048]    ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.  
         [2049]    If the quality is unacceptable, further samples are collected until a sample of acceptable quality, according to the above two criteria, is taken.  
         [2050]    Thereafter, the ETCO 2  value and the respiratory rate are determined.  
         [2051]    At startup a checking procedure is performed, wherein the ETCO 2  value is measured by capnograph  902 . The slope and run values of the capnogram from capnograph  902  are determined by computer  914 .  
         [2052]    The following checking rule is preferably applied.  
         [2053]    1) If:  
         [2054]    a) the ETCO 2  value is more than 15 mm Hg;  
         [2055]    then,  
         [2056]    a display is provided by computer  914  stating “GOOD WAVEFORM QUALITY; MONITORING LEVEL OF SEDATION.  
         [2057]    After the waveform rhythm has been confirmed by an operator, the baseline breathing pattern is stored in computer  914 . Capnograph  902  is entered into its monitoring mode, either by the operator or by computer  914 . Capnograph  902  then monitors for any changes in the breathing pattern of the patient.  
         [2058]    The next step entails a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) twice per minute and II) diagnostic rule application to the previous sample step I) is initiated.  
         [2059]    I) Sampling Step  
         [2060]    In this sampling step, an exhaled air sample from cannula  900  is periodically collected, conveyed and measured by capnograph  902 . The carbon dioxide concentration value is determined continuously by capnograph  902 . Computer  914  digitizes the capnograph signals as a waveform and computer  914  stores the waveform for analysis. Computer  914  marks onset and offset limits of the capnogram.  
         [2061]    The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by:  
         [2062]    i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and  
         [2063]    ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.  
         [2064]    Thereafter ETCO 2  and the respiratory rate are measured, and the results stored on computer  914 .  
         [2065]    II) Diagnostic Rule Application Step.  
         [2066]    The following diagnostic rules are applied to each sample:  
         [2067]    1) If:  
         [2068]    a) The value of ETCO 2  is greater than or equal to 15 mm Hg, but less than 50 mm Hg;  
         [2069]    b) There is no loss in the waveform from capnograph  902 ; and  
         [2070]    c) The respiratory rate is greater than 12/min;  
         [2071]    then,  
         [2072]    computer  914  displays “NORMAL RESPIRATORY PATTERN” on display  916 .  
         [2073]    2) If:  
         [2074]    a) The respiratory rate is more than or equal to 10/min, but less than 12/min;  
         [2075]    then,  
         [2076]    computer  914  displays “MILD HYPOVENTILATION” on display  916 .  
         [2077]    3) If:  
         [2078]    a) The value of ETCO 2  is greater than or equal to 50 mm Hg, but less than 60 mm Hg; and  
         [2079]    b) The respiratory rate is more than or equal to 6/min, but less than 10/min; then, computer  914  displays “MODERATE HYPOVENTILATION” on display  916 .  
         [2080]    4) If:  
         [2081]    The value of ETCO 2  is greater or equal to 60 mm Hg; or  
         [2082]    b) There is a loss in the waveform; or  
         [2083]    c) The respiratory rate is less than 6/min;  
         [2084]    then,  
         [2085]    computer  914  displays “ALERT: SEVERE HYPOVENTILATION OR APNEA” on display  916 .  
         [2086]    It should be understood that the rules, such as monitoring- and diagnostic rules exemplified hereinabove are not meant to be limiting only to those and the numerical values therein that have been shown herein, and that these rules could be applied using similar or different numerical values and could incorporate further rules applied to other parameters. The rules provided herein may be provided as continuous or discontinuous rules, and may additionally or alternatively be applied in other combinations of continuity or discontinuity. Furthermore, it should be understood that the term “time interval” may include the time required for a treatment to be effective in a patient, and the word “treatment” may also be used to denote the time required for the treatment to be effective, such as in the phrase “after each treatment”.  
         [2087]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the features described hereinabove as well as modifications and variations thereof which would occur to a person of skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not in the prior art.