CPAP in acute pulmonary edema. Our experience of the nurse role in the out of hospital life support

The evolution of the nurse role in out of hospital life support yielded to the employment of tools typical of in-hospital setting, like helmet delivered CPAP. Some elements in the use of this tool have been analyzed: indications, contraindications, application modality and protocol, patient's record, practical aspects of the treatment and problems related to the material employed. Data concerning the application of this technique in 21 patients confirm the indication for its use in advanced nurse out of hospital life support.