Efficacy of Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation in Early Hypoxia Secondary to Thoracic Trauma

Inclusion Criteria: * Age \> 18 years. * Informed consent obtained. * pO2/FiO2 \<200 for more than 8 consecutive hours in the first 48 hours after thoracic trauma. Exclusion Criteria: * Orotracheal intubation indicated for any other reason. * Standard contraindication for non-invasive ventilation (active gastro-intestinal haemorrhage, low level of consciousness, multiorgan failure, airway control problems, lack of cooperation, hemodynamic instability). * Severe traumatic brain injury. * Facial trauma with pneumocephalus, skull base fracture, orbit base fracture, any facial fracture involving a sinus. * Cervical injury with specific treatment contraindicating a facial mask. * Bronco-pleural fistula. * Gastro-intestinal trauma.