Absolute contraindications | Additional considerations |
---|---|
Respiratory distress | RR>35, PCO2≥6.5 kPa, accessory muscle use |
Immediate need for intubation | |
Haemodynamically unstable | SBP<90 mmHg, arrythmia |
Agitation or altered mental state | |
Unstable spine/thoracic injury/recent abdominal surgery | |
Relative contraindications | |
Facial injury | |
Neurological issues | Frequent seizures |
Morbid obesity | May include gross ascites |
Pregnancy | Second/third trimesters |
Pressure sores | Particularly facial/sternal |
PCO2 = partial pressure carbon dioxide; RR = respiratory rate; SBP = systolic blood pressure.