Prehospital use of CPAP: Positive pressure = positive patient outcomes.
When used correctly, CPAP has been shown to alleviate symptoms and decrease the need for intubation for patients with CHF, COPD and asthma. It is safe, portable and easy to apply. CPAP does not replace intubation, but rather is a less-invasive means of providing respiratory support while medications work to correct the underlying cause of distress.
Sullivan
Robert
R
New Castle County EMS, DE, USA. R.Sullivan@co.newcastle.de.us
D045422:Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States