What is one of the primary treatments for someone experiencing CHF or pulmonary edema?

High flow oxygen via non-rebreathing mask is a primary treatment for someone experiencing congestive heart failure (CHF) or pulmonary edema because it addresses the immediate respiratory distress commonly associated with these conditions. When a patient experiences CHF or pulmonary edema, the heart is unable to pump effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs. This results in impaired gas exchange and respiratory distress, often manifesting as difficulty breathing or hypoxia.

Administering high flow oxygen helps to increase the amount of oxygen delivered to the lungs, improving oxygenation in the blood and alleviating hypoxia. The non-rebreathing mask is designed to deliver high concentrations of oxygen (typically 80-90%) and effectively prevents the mixing of exhaled air with the oxygen from the tank, maximizing oxygen availability for the patient.

This intervention is critical while other measures, such as diuretics to manage fluid overload or medications to improve cardiac function, are implemented. By stabilizing the patient's oxygen levels, medical professionals can then assess and treat the underlying causes of CHF or pulmonary edema more effectively.