[The use of nitrous oxide and oxygen in paediatric emergency departments]

Abstract

The treatment of pain, particularly in infants, is today a public health priority. The mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen, colloquially known as 'gas and air' is an important analgesia for infants for short, painful procedures. Its fast action and almost immediate reversibility when the child stops inhaling facilitates its use and its tolerance. Subject to a medical prescription, it must be administered by a specially trained member of nursing staff.

Keywords: analgesia; analgésie; child; douleur induite; enfant; iatrogeny; iatrogénie; induced pain; mélange équimolaire oxygène-protoxyde d’azote (méopa); nitrous oxide and oxygen.