Early prehospital use of non-invasive ventilation improves acute respiratory failure in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Aim: To evaluate the use of prehospital non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Methods: 36 adult patients were treated by prehospital NIV or standard oxygen therapy.

Results: Prehospital NIV was described as feasible by the paramedics.