CPR Certification Manual: Ventilation Equipment
- 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. Common Mistakes
- 12. Conclusion
- MyCPR Now™ Glossary
Ventilation Equipment
Rescue breaths may be provided directly or with an appropriate barrier device when one is available and the rescuer knows how to use it. Do not unnecessarily delay CPR while searching for ventilation equipment.
Face Shields
A CPR face shield is a thin barrier placed between the rescuer and the person's mouth. Some face shields contain a one-way valve intended to reduce direct contact during rescue breathing. Follow the instructions provided with the device.
Pocket Masks
A pocket mask fits over the person's mouth and nose and usually contains a one-way valve.
To use a pocket mask:
- Position the mask over the mouth and nose
- Create a secure seal
- Open the airway
- Give each breath over approximately 1 second
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Give only enough air to produce visible chest rise
Maintaining a Mask Seal: The E-C Clamp Technique
The E-C clamp technique helps maintain a tight seal with a pocket mask or bag-mask device while keeping the airway open.
- Form a "C" shape with the thumb and index finger of one hand, pressing down on the mask to create a seal
- Form an "E" shape with the remaining three fingers, placing them under the bony portion of the jaw to lift the jaw toward the mask
This technique allows one rescuer to maintain both the seal and an open airway simultaneously.
Bag-Mask Devices
Bag-mask ventilation is a more advanced technique that requires appropriate training and practice. When used by trained responders, a bag-mask device can provide breaths without direct mouth-to-mouth contact. Effective use requires maintaining both an open airway and a tight mask seal.
Bag-Mask Coverage
When using a bag-mask device, the mask must seal over both the mouth and nose to be effective — covering the mouth alone will not allow adequate ventilation.
Personal Protective Barriers
Barrier devices can reduce direct contact with saliva and other body fluids but do not replace proper technique. A barrier device is one form of personal protective equipment (PPE) — equipment that reduces a rescuer's exposure to blood or body fluids during care. If a barrier device is unavailable, a rescuer may still provide rescue breaths if willing and able.
Avoid Delaying CPR
The absence of ventilation equipment should not prevent chest compressions. Begin CPR promptly and use available equipment when it can be incorporated without unnecessary interruption.