Abstract
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.