ED Lung Protective Ventilation to Reduce Complications

The Effect of Lung Protective Ventilation Initiated in the Emergency Department on the Incidence of Pulmonary Complications and Clinical Outcomes

Early mechanical ventilation, if delivered with injurious settings, can lead to pulmonary complications, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Mechanical ventilation in the emergency department (ED) has been studied infrequently when compared to the intensive care unit; however, data suggests that ED-based mechanical ventilation has significant room for improvement and may also be a causative factor in ARDS incidence.

This is a before-after study examining the impact of implementing lung protective ventilation in the emergency department.

Inclusion Criteria:

• mechanically ventilated via an endotracheal tube in the ED

Exclusion Criteria:

• death in the ED,
• death or discontinuation of ventilation within 24 hours,
• chronic mechanical ventilation,
• ARDS while in the ED
• transfer to another hospital.