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Document Name: COVID-19 Guidelines for Initiation and Titration of O2 in the COVID-19 Adult Patient
Developed Date: 2020 04 21
Expiry Date: 2021 04 21
Distribution Approved by: Incident Management Committee
Contact for suggestions for next version: CPL, Charge RT, Dr. David Casey (GIM physician)
Intended use: SJHC site; for reference at SMH and Providence
Consider order for conscious proning protocol if Fi02 equal to or greater than 28%or requiring
supplemental oxygen to achieved Sp02 of 92-96% and clinical conditions are met. Refer to Appendix
A for full algorithm, including contraindications, etc.
Conscious Proning Protocol
The ‘Prone Position’ is one in which the patient is lying flat with the chest down and the spine up.
Prone Position Therapy (‘Proning’) improves oxygenation through a variety of mechanisms, primarily
optimization of ventilation and perfusion. It produces changes in the distribution of extravascular lung
water as well as secretions and results in a decrease in both alveolar over-inflation and alveolar collapse.
Conscious Prone Position can be considered for patients with FiO2 greater than or equal to 28% or
requiring basic respiratory support to achieve SpO2 92 -96 % (88-92% if risk or hypercapnic respiratory
failure) AND suspected/confirmed COVID-19.
Patients must fulfill the following criteria:
alert, oriented and able to understand procedure
able to communicate and co-operate with procedure
Rotate to front and adjust position independently
No anticipated airway issues. Not anticipated to be a difficult intubation
ABSOLUTE Contraindications:
(The following is a list of absolute contraindications to prone position therapy)
Respiratory distress (RR ≥ 35, PaCO2 ≥ 65, accessory muscle use)
Immediate need for intubation
Haemodynamic instability (SBP < 90mmHg) or arrhythmia
Agitation or altered mental status
Unstable spine/thoracic injury/recent abdominal surgery
Eye trauma or injury
Chest Tube with air leak
DVT not yet treated for 2 days
Relative Contraindications:
(The following list does not exclude a patient from prone positioning, but extra caution and
consideration must be exercised with any of the following.)
Facial injury
Neurological issues (e.g. frequent seizures)
Morbid obesity
Pregnancy (2/3rd trimesters)
Pressure Injury
Dialysis
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Version 3.1 August 17, 2020