None listed
Conditions
Interventions
Sponsors
Study design
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
All patients presenting to participating EDs with moderate to severe exacerbations of obstructive airways disease and judged by the clinical staff as requiring NIV. Criteria for this judgement include RR >23, SaO2 <90% on room air or <93% on 15 lpm via Hudson mask or an inability to speak in sentences.
Exclusion criteria
Obtundation (to the point of being unable to cooperate or protect the airway), primary cause of respiratory failure other than asthma or COAD, untreated pneumothorax, endotracheal intubation and a decision to withhold or withdraw treatment made by the clinician in consultation with the patient or next of kin.