Patient ventilation and oxygenation. A new day is dawning

Maintaining an airway and providing adequate ventilation and oxygenation to the patient can be challenging in the prehospital environment. Ventilation and oxygenation are a complex series of interactions between the patient, EMS providers and emergency airway equipment. Routine ventilation techniques carry significant risk of long-term complications. New ventilatory equipment is available to perform this function and provide verification of its effectiveness. This opportunity for improved patient care is available to all EMS providers and sets new standards for delivery of ventilation and oxygenation. The technical methods available to EMS personnel vary considerably and are reviewed in this article.