Bag-valve mask resuscitator

Bag-valve mask resuscitator (also known as a BVM or Ambu bag) is a hand-held device commonly used to provide positive pressure ventilation to patients who are not breathing or not breathing adequately. The device is a staple piece of equipment in medicine, particularly in emergency medicine and anesthesia.

Design and Function

The bag-valve mask consists of a flexible bag, a one-way valve and a face mask. The bag is manually squeezed to push air into the patient's lungs, while the one-way valve ensures that exhaled air does not enter the bag and is instead vented out. The face mask is designed to create a seal over the patient's nose and mouth to ensure that the air being pushed into the lungs does not escape.

Usage

Bag-valve mask resuscitators are used in a variety of medical situations. They are commonly used in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to provide ventilations between chest compressions. They are also used in situations where a patient's breathing is inadequate, such as in cases of respiratory failure or drug overdose.

In addition to emergency situations, bag-valve mask resuscitators are also used in the operating room during anesthesia induction and recovery. They can be used to assist ventilation until a definitive airway can be established.

Training and Technique

Proper use of a bag-valve mask resuscitator requires training. The technique involves positioning the mask correctly on the patient's face, squeezing the bag to deliver a breath, and then allowing the bag to re-inflate before delivering the next breath. The rate and force of bag squeezing should be adjusted based on the patient's size and condition.

See Also

• Positive pressure ventilation
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Respiratory failure
• Drug overdose
• Anesthesia