[Respiratory emergencies in the extra-hospital environment].

Prehospital care is a fundamental element for the patient's outcome, in the field of medical and surgical emergencies. There are different strategies about it, defined "scoop and run" and "stay and play". The choice among the different strategies, in our opinion, must be well-suited to the underlying pathophysiology of the illness. The best approach to the care of Acute Respiratory Failure is chosen on the ground of the possible and rapid reversibility of the pathology. Nowadays, classical semeiology is integrated by portable devices that allow the real time monitoring of pulse oximetry, electrocardiography, arterial pressure and heart rate, capnometry, blood gas analysis, serum electrolites, etc. Maintenance of airway patency can be achieved by many devices, according to the patient's neurological conditions. In common opinion the early respiratory support reduces patient's stay in hospital and his outcome.