© 2003 BMJ Publishing Group, British Association for Accident & Emergency Medicine, & Faculty of Accident & Emergency Medicine
Primary Survey
Joint Editors
| The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below. |
Nitrous oxide fulfils many of the properties of an ideal analgesic for use in the emergency department. Despite the fact that it is the oldest known anaesthetic, it still has an important role in the short-term relief of pain and anxiety in hospital medicine, prehospital care, and obstetrics. Used alone or as an adjunct, nitrous oxide has been shown to be safe and clinically effective in many thousands of patients with musculoskeletal injuries. This review discusses the background, clinical evidence, and safety issues that underpin the use of nitrous oxide in emergency medicine. It has few side effects or contraindications, and is very safe when delivered using a demand valve from a cylinder containing a 50:50 mixture with oxygen ("Entonox"). When delivered by other means, however, active steps must be taken to prevent the administration of a hypoxic mixture, and in the light of a recent tragedy the recommended safety
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