Protocol Status: PUBLISHED
Protocol:
Version: 2026.01
Effective Date:
Last Reviewed:
Medical Director Approval:
Clinical Note: This content reflects current GCEMS clinical guidelines as of the dates listed above. If content appears inconsistent with current policy, use the most recent approved guideline and notify leadership for correction.

Nitrous Oxide

(Nitronox)

 

GCEMS Protocol:

 

  • adult and pediatric pain management

 

Indications:

 

  • Pain of musculoskeletal origin, particularly fractures and burns
  • suspected ischemic chest pain

 

Contraindications:

 

  • Patients who cannot comprehend verbal instructions
  • altered mental status
  • suspected pneumothorax
  • abdominal pain and distension suggestive of bowel obstruction

 

Side Effects:

 

  • headache
  • dizziness
  • giddiness
  • nausea
  • vomiting

 

Adult:

 

  • self-administered only using fixed 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen blender

 

Peds:

 

  • over the age of 5 years old: self-administered only using fixed 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen blender