[Efficacy of the Boussignac continuous positive airway pressure device in patients with acute respiratory failure attended by an emergency medical service: a randomized clinical trial].

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of the Boussignac continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device for treating patients with acute respiratory failure transported by an emergency medical service.

Material And Methods: Retrospective, descriptive study of a series of patients treated with the Boussignac CPAP system by emergency medical service responders in Asturias between February 1, 2006, and March 19, 2012. We recorded demographic data, diagnosis, techniques and drugs used, technique failure and reasons, vital constants, (heart rate [HR], respiratory frequency [RF], systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and arterial oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry [SpO2]) at 5 times during the event (on contact without oxygen therapy in place, with conventional oxygen therapy, 5 and 15 minutes after starting CPAP, and on hospital transfer), and the duration of prehospital care.