# Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

Official OCEMS reference: PR-120.
Collection: Procedures. Source topic: ALS Procedures.
Population: All / see source. Scope: ALS.
Source index update: March 27, 2026. Source checked: 2026-09-16.

Independent OC Medic source briefing. The complete official document remains authoritative for exact requirements, exceptions, and clinical or administrative language.

## Document profile

- Document type: Clinical procedure
- Where it fits: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is an official procedure reference used to verify indications, provider scope, equipment, performance steps, reassessment, and documentation.
- Document note: Use the complete official document for mandatory wording, exceptions, definitions, and requirements that cannot be reduced safely to directory metadata.

## Use this source safely

- Confirm that the procedure is authorized for the provider and patient population and that its clinical indication is established by the applicable standing order.
- Use the complete source for contraindications, equipment details, required confirmation, complications, and documentation language.
- Check current OCEMS notices and agency direction before field use.
- When the source and a summary differ, follow the current official document and medical or operational direction.

## Related OC Medic guides

- [OCEMS BLS scope of practice](https://www.ocmedic.com/guides/bls-scope-of-practice/): A practical OCEMS BLS guide for Orange County EMTs: scope of practice, CPAP, medication assistance, ALS support, and transport limits.
- [CPAP: adult & pediatric](https://www.ocmedic.com/guides/cpap/): Select an eligible patient, check exclusions, apply the correct pressure, and reassess for deterioration.
- [Adult non-fatal drowning](https://www.ocmedic.com/guides/drowning/): Support oxygenation and ventilation, assess associated trauma, and use CPAP only in the appropriate conscious patient.
- [Pediatric respiratory distress](https://www.ocmedic.com/guides/pediatric-respiratory-distress/): Distinguish wheeze, croup-like cough, anaphylaxis, and poor perfusion.
- [Respiratory distress](https://www.ocmedic.com/guides/respiratory-distress/): Use the wheeze, suspected CHF, or stridor pathway and reassess ventilation.

## Related official references

- [PR-085 - 10% Dextrose Solution Administration](https://www.ocmedic.com/reference/pr-085-10-dextrose-solution-administration/)
- [PR-105 - 12-Lead Electrocardiography](https://www.ocmedic.com/reference/pr-105-12-lead-electrocardiography/)
- [PR-004 - APGAR Score](https://www.ocmedic.com/reference/pr-004-apgar-score/)
- [PR-150 - Administration of Intramuscular Influenza Vaccine](https://www.ocmedic.com/reference/pr-150-administration-of-intramuscular-influenza-vaccine/)
- [PR-005 - Airway Management: Tracheostomy Special Situations](https://www.ocmedic.com/reference/pr-005-airway-management-tracheostomy-special-situations/)
- [PR-240 - Ambulance Transport Ventilator](https://www.ocmedic.com/reference/pr-240-ambulance-transport-ventilator/)

## Official source

- [Open the official document](https://www.ochealthinfo.com/sites/healthcare/files/2026-04/PR-120%20CPAP%2004-2026.pdf)
- [View the official source index](https://www.ochealthinfo.com/providers-partners/emergency-medical-services/ems-policies-procedures-standing-orders/ems)
- [OCEMS notices and system updates](https://www.ochealthinfo.com/providers-partners/emergency-medical-services)