Invasive ventilation in the emergency department:

Summary 

Mechanical ventilation is used in the resuscitation of patients with a wide range of illness and injury and in this context provides many benefits. However, when ventilation is applied inappropriately, it poses a substantial risk to patient safety. Anecdotally, within emergency departments, invasive ventilation is being employed more frequently and for prolonged periods. While the development of ventilation techniques and ventilator technology continue to expand, the majority of scientific literature on the topic focuses on its use in Intensive Care. New generation ventilators, designed for transport and short-term use are being developed that incorporate many features traditionally reserved for ventilators used in Intensive Care. Increasingly, there is a need for nurses employed within emergency departments to have a better understanding of some of the more complex ventilation techniques now available and the relative risks and benefits associated with their application.

This article is the first in a two-part series which explores current modes and applications of ventilation, including developments in the current understanding of the negative effects of invasive ventilation and ways in which these may be reduced. In addition, this review will highlight gaps in the research literature regarding the application of mechanical ventilation in emergency departments.

Keywords: Artificial respiration, Mechanical ventilation, Emergency department, Emergency nursing