Bag, Valve and Mask (BVM) Ventilation

Continuous mouth to mouth can be problematic for the first aider, who may wish to use an alternative method.

It may be used for continuous assisted ventilations if casualty has a heartbeat but breathing is inadequate.

For example: drowning, electric shock, poisoning, fumes, suffocation, chest injury.

BVM may be used for CPR by two rescuers. BVM leaves the first aider free to communicate with team.

BVM may be used in conjunction with a Guedel, nasal airway or I-Gel and can be attached to an oxygen cylinder if required.

‘Anaesthetists grip’ is required to hold the mask in position to ensure a good seal (easier on real people than on a manikin!).

Do not be over-enthusiastic with number and depth of breaths, it is a fairly gentle action but in stressful situations it is easy to become too vigorous.

If connecting to oxygen, allow the reservoir to fill before using, takes a few seconds.

Pulse-oximeter in use