Use of non-invasive ventilation in UK emergency departments.

AIM To describe the current use of non-invasive ventilation in UK emergency departments. METHODS A structured questionnaire was sent to all UK emergency departments assessing 25,000 new patients annually. RESULTS 222 of 233 departments completed the questionnaire. 148 currently use non-invasive ventilation (NIV). Most used NIV for either cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (n = 128) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 115). Only 49 departments have protocols for NIV use and 23 audited practice. CONCLUSION NIV is commonly used in UK emergency departments. Practices vary significantly. One solution would be the development of guidelines on when and how to use NIV in emergency medicine practice.