mask. This feature makes it possible to use the device for things like CPR. It can deliver up to 100 percent oxygen. G. Pocket mask—this is the simplest positive pressure oxygen delivery device. It allows a rescuer to deliver rescue breaths without having to do mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
VENTILATION Ventilation involves the actual act of inspiring and expiring air/gases by the lungs. A patient may have an open airway but cannot ventilate themselves. The mainstay of treatment for a lack of ventilation is the bag-valve-mask (BVM). The BVM can provide rescue breathing to a patient indefinitely. If not performed correctly, however, it can make hypoxia worse and can result in the death of the patient. Refer to figure 4 to see how a BVM is applied.
Figure 4: The application of a bag-valve mask The first step is to recognize that the patient needs ventilation. If the RR is less than 8 breaths per minute or when the tidal volume falls below 300 ml/breath, assisted ventilation is necessary. The cause may be discovered and reversed; however, artificial ventilation must be initiated before attempting to reverse the cause of the apnea/hypopnea. Position the patient, set up the airway, and maintain the proper airway position. The patient needs to be supine and the gurney elevated to about the level of the rescuer’s abdomen. The rescuer should be standing at the level of the crown of the patient’s head. The jaw should be
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