Propofol for Emergency Department Procedural Sedation: Updated Guidance

Evidence shows propofol to be a safe, effective agent for emergency procedural sedation — if used correctly.

Sponsoring Organizations: Five experts in emergency department (ED) sedation, including authors of a 2007 American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Clinical Practice Advisory, have provided an update (not formally endorsed by ACEP).

Target Audience: Emergency physicians

Background

When propofol was first used in EDs, there was some controversy about whether emergency physicians could be trusted with this agent, which had previously been restricted to anesthesiologists. After more than two decades, it is clear that emergency physicians are capable of using this agent safely and that its rapid onset and offset are ideal for many procedures. This evidence-based revision of a 2007 ACEP clinical practice advisory (Ann Emerg Med 2007; 50:182) …

Reviewing Author

Daniel M. Lindberg, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportEunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; MINDSOURCE

Editorial BoardsThe Quarterly Update: Reviews of Current Child Abuse Medical Research; Child Abuse & Neglect: The International Journal

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesThe Helfer Society (Executive Committee Member)