Positive Pressure Ventilation Using a Bag Valve Mask

Original Editor - Arnold Fredrick D'Souza Top Contributors - Kim Jackson

Introduction[edit | edit source]

A bag valve mask (BVM), sometimes referred to as an Ambu bag, is a handheld tool that is used to deliver positive pressure ventilation to any subject with insufficient or ineffective breaths. It consists of a self-inflating bag, one-way valve, mask, and an oxygen reservoir.[1][2]

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Method of Use[edit | edit source]

The following steps[2] must be followed to ensure correct use of the BVM:

An oropharyngeal airway may be inserted to prevent airway occlusion when the patient is supine.

The rescuer should be at the patient’s head. A good seal must be achieved with the mask and the face. The pointed end of the mask must be over the nose, and the curved end just below the lower lip.

A one-person technique requires the "E-C seal" method where the first and second digits form a "C" over the mask with the thumb pressing down by the nasal bridge, the second digit over the bottom of the mask by the mouth, and your remaining three digits forming an "E" over the mandible to hold the mask tight. There should be no gaps between the mask and the face. You can also perform the “head-tilt chin lift” maneuver or a “jaw-thurst” if indicated to maitain airway patency.

In a two-person technique, the second rescuer squeezes the bag while the first rescuer uses the same E-C technique with both hands. This is more effective in delivering the required tidal volume and also creates a better seal.[3]

Ensure that the soft tissue around the neck is not compressed by the rescuer's fingers.

Indications[edit | edit source]

It is indicated for hypercapnic respiratory failure, hypoxic respiratory failure, apnea, or altered mental status with the inability to protect the airway.[2] It's usage is advocated while delivering breaths during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.[4] Also, patients who are undergoing general anesthesia for elective surgery may require bag mask ventilation.[2]

Contraindications[edit | edit source]

There are no contraindications for bag mask ventilation.[2]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Fahey DG. The self-inflating resuscitator--evolution of an idea. Anaesth Intensive Care. 2010 Jul;38 Suppl 1:10-5.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Bucher JT, Cooper JS. Bag Mask Ventilation (Bag Valve Mask, BVM). 2020 Feb 6. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan. Available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441924/
  3. Jesudian MC, Harrison RR, Keenan RL, Maull KI. Bag-valve-mask ventilation; two rescuers are better than one: preliminary report. Crit care med. 1985 Feb;13(2):122-3.
  4. Elam JO. Bag-valve-mask O 2 ventilation. InAdvances in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation 1977 (pp. 73-79). Springer, New York, NY.