BLS Certification Manual: Ventilations for Adults
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Recognizing Cardiac Arrest
- 3. Positioning & Pulse Check
- 4. Compressions for Adults
- 5. Compressions for Infants & Children
- 6. Ventilation Equipment
- 7. Ventilations for Adults
- 8. Ventilations for Infants & Children
- 9. AED Usage
- 10. AED Special Circumstances
- 11. Choking
- 12. Choking Procedures for Adults & Children
- 13. Choking Procedures for Infants
- 14. Team Roles
- 15. Effective Team Dynamics
- 16. Common Mistakes
- 17. Conclusion
- MyCPR Now™ Glossary
HEAD-TILT-CHIN-LIFT MANEUVER
To ventilate an adult victim, the rescuer will need to open the victim's airway using the head tilt-chin-lift maneuver. This method is completed by placing one hand on the victim’s forehead, tilting the victim’s head backwards, while placing two fingers from the other hand under the side of the jaw, to lift the chin up. This maneuver will align the victim’s airway and allow for oxygen to pass into the lungs. If there is any visible airway obstruction that is safely and easily removable, remove or move aside the blockage (the tongue is the most common). Chest rise should be visible if rescue breaths are completed correctly.
A barrier device should always be used when giving ventilations. Ventilations should be given at a rate of 2 breaths per every 30 compressions, with each breath given for 1 second. In many cases, cardiac arrest is proceeded by respiratory arrest.
If an adult victim has quit breathing but still has a pulse, rescue breaths should be given at a rate of 1 every 5-6 seconds. If the pulse stops, CPR compressions should be started.
Fast Fact: Exhaled air contains approximately 17% oxygen and can still be used to sustain life in a victim.
Quick Tip: The head tilt-chin lift method should not be used if spinal trauma is suspected. A jaw-thrust is recommended in that situation.
SINGLE RESCUER VENTILATIONS WITH POCKET MASK
When using a bag valve mask (BVM) or a pocket mask in a single rescuer setting, the rescuer should start by positioning themselves at the head of the victim and ensure the correct position of the mask to maximize the effectiveness of CPR. The mask should be placed over the victim's mouth and nose. The rescuer should use the E-C Clamp to complete the seal of the mask. The rescuer will then deliver a breath for 1 second.
MULTIPLE RESCUER VENTILATIONS WITH BAG VALVE MASK
In a multiple rescuer situation with a BVM, one rescuer should be positioned at the head of the victim with both hands on the mask using the E-C Clamp technique to ensure a proper seal. Chest compressions are the most crucial component of CPR, as they help maintain blood circulation. The second rescuer will then deliver a breath for 1 second by squeezing the bag portion of the BVM while the first rescuer performs compressions on the victim's chest, ensuring proper placement and technique to mimic the normal activity of the heart. The rescuer managing the airway and BVM should only squeeze hard enough to see adequate chest rise. Squeezing the BMV too hard can cause gastric inflation.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHOKING VICTIMS
When performing CPR on choking victims, always visually check the airway after compressions. If a foreign object has been dislodged and is easily removable, remove the object.
Quick Tip: If a rescuer is comfortable performing mouth-to-mouth ventilations, remember to squeeze the nose and ensure a full mouth seal.
Airway and Breathing are the second and third steps in performing: C-A-B
Compressions
Airway
Breathing