Emergency Department-initiated High-flow Nasal Cannula for COVID-19 Respiratory Distress

In this study we examine associations between the availability of emergency department (ED)-initiated high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) for patients presenting with COVID-19 respiratory distress and outcomes, including rates of endotracheal intubation (ETT), mortality, and hospital length of stay. Methods: We performed a retrospective, non-concurrent cohort study of patients with COVID-19 respiratory distress presenting to the ED who required HFNC or ETT in the ED or within 24 hours following ED departure. Comparisons were made between patients presenting before and after the introduction of an ED-HFNC protocol.Results: Use of...
Source: Western Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research