EMS and paramedic management of respiratory distress

Background: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), first identified in the 1960s, manifests as acute hypoxic respiratory failure due to diverse causes like infection and trauma. The incidence varies globally, affecting 7.2 to 34 per 100,000 person-years. While ARDS's historical mortality rate was around 60%, advancements in critical care have reduced it to 26-35%. Despite improvements, ARDS accounts for approximately 75,000 U.S. deaths annually and 3 million global cases, contributing significantly to ICU admissions and mechanical ventilation needs. Aim: This article aims to explore the prehospital management of respiratory distress in ARDS patients, focusing on the effectiveness of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) in the emergency medical services (EMS) setting. The review focus also on radiological picture of ARDS. Methods: A comprehensive review of existing literature was conducted, analyzing studies on CPAP and BiPAP application in ARDS management prehospital settings. The review encompasses efficacy, clinical outcomes, and safety of these non-invasive ventilation strategies. Results: Evidence indicates that both CPAP and BiPAP are beneficial in improving oxygenation and reducing the need for intubation in ARDS patients. These interventions also enhance patient comfort and can stabilize conditions during transport to definitive care

Anesthesia · Intensive care medicine · Respiratory distress · Cardiac Arrest and Resuscitation · Medicine · Neonatal Respiratory Health Research · Respiratory Support and Mechanisms · Emergency Medicine