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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
14:52
Recording Brain Electromagnetic Activity During the Administration of the Gaseous Anesthetic Agents Xenon and Nitrous Oxide in Healthy Volunteers
Published on: January 13, 2018
Prehospital pharmacology: nitrous oxide
David Jaslow1, Dorothy Lemecha
1Division of EMS, Operational Public Health and Disaster Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Albert Einstein Medical Center, USA.
Emergency Medical Services
|March 8, 2007
Summary
Nitrous oxide offers safe and effective out-of-hospital anesthetic and analgesic benefits. Its use requires physician prescription and is restricted by local regulations and EMS system approval.
Area of Science:
- Medical Anesthesia
- Emergency Medical Services
Background:
- Nitrous oxide is a widely recognized inhalational agent.
- Its properties make it suitable for pre-hospital environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of nitrous oxide for out-of-hospital use.
- To outline the regulatory considerations for its implementation in emergency medical services.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on nitrous oxide's anesthetic/analgesic properties.
- Analysis of regulatory frameworks governing drug use in out-of-hospital settings.
Main Results:
- Nitrous oxide is demonstrated to be safe and effective for out-of-hospital administration.
- Implementation is contingent upon physician prescription and adherence to local/regional/state formulary approvals.
Conclusions:
- Nitrous oxide presents a viable option for pain management and anesthesia in pre-hospital care.
- Successful integration necessitates compliance with medical director approval and established drug formularies.
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