Sedation, Intubation and Ventilation

Sedation, intubation and ventilation of asthmatic patients is challenging with many potential pitfalls.

Ideally, this should only be performed by a senior anaesthetists or ICU consultant. With increased availability of NIV in the ED, limited evidence has emerged of its potential use for patients with life-threatening asthma [10].

However, this is not currently supported by the British Thoracic Society and if NIV is to be used in the resuscitation room the patient must be supervised by the intensivist that can proceed immediately to intubation.

NIV should only be considered as a treatment for life threatening asthma when a senior intensivist/ anaesthetist that can proceed directly to intubation is present with the patient in the ED.