TL;DR
Non-Rebreather Mask (NRB): High-flow O2: 10-15 LPM delivering 60-90% FiO2 with reservoir bag.
Non-Rebreather Mask (NRB)
Definition
High-flow O2: 10-15 LPM delivering 60-90% FiO2 with reservoir bag.
Patient Communication
Communication about non-rebreather mask (nrb) in the prehospital setting includes: explaining procedures to the patient in simple terms, obtaining informed consent when possible (implied consent for unresponsive patients), providing a calm and reassuring presence, and delivering a structured handoff report (SBAR: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) to the receiving facility.
Practical Example
Field Scenario: An 8-month-old infant is found unresponsive. Parents report fever of 104 F for 2 days. Fontanelle is bulging. Suspect meningitis: manage airway, IV access, rapid transport.
This scenario tests your ability to apply knowledge of non-rebreather mask (nrb) under time pressure with incomplete information, exactly the type of decision-making the certification exam assesses.
Documentation
Documentation of non-rebreather mask (nrb) in the patient care report (PCR) must include: time of assessment, findings, interventions performed, patient response, and reassessment findings. Use objective, measurable terms like "patient reports 8/10 chest pain" rather than "patient in pain." Document pertinent negatives. All medications administered must include drug name, dose, route, time, and patient response.
Overview
High-flow O2: 10-15 LPM delivering 60-90% FiO2 with reservoir bag. NRB indications and minimum flow rate tested on EMT exam.
In prehospital assessment, respiratory rate reference range: adult 12-20 breaths/min, pediatric 25-50 (infant), 15-30 (child). Deviations from these norms guide treatment decisions in the field.
Professional Standards
Professional standards for non-rebreather mask (nrb) are established by the relevant certification body and regulatory agencies. Certified professionals must demonstrate competency through examination and maintain credentials through continuing education. Scope of practice is defined by state law and facility policy. Never perform tasks outside your authorized scope.
Related Procedures
Procedures related to non-rebreather mask (nrb) in the EMS setting:
- Stroke recognition: Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (facial droop, arm drift, speech) then last known well time then transport to stroke center
- RSI sequence: preoxygenation then sedation (etomidate 0.3mg/kg or ketamine 2mg/kg) then paralytic (succinylcholine 1.5mg/kg or rocuronium 1mg/kg) then intubation then confirm placement with waveform capnography
- AHA ACLS cardiac arrest algorithm: CPR then rhythm check then shock if VF/pVT then epinephrine q3-5min then amiodarone
Why It Matters
NRB indications and minimum flow rate tested on EMT exam.
Related Terms
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