Complications from supervised mask use in post-operative surgical patients during the Gulf War.

This is a report of three patients in a surgical ward of a hospital who developed complications seemingly related to the use of full-face-fitting masks associated with the first Scud Missile attack on Israel during the Gulf War. Patient 1 developed atrial fibrillation with an uncontrolled ventricular rate; Patient 2 redeveloped a gastrointestinal hemorrhage; and Patient 3 developed a severe anxiety attack. Each of the three was severely ill prior to the event. Special attention should be given to severely ill patients during such events.