Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 2, 2025

Mechanical Ventilation Boot Camp Curriculum
Published on: March 12, 2018
Manual bag valve mask ventilation performance among respiratory therapists
Rachel E Culbreth1, Douglas S Gardenhire1
1Department of Respiratory Therapy, Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Background:
High peak pressures delivered via bag valve mask (BVM) can be dangerous for patients.
Objective:
To examine manual ventilation performance among respiratory therapists (RTs) in a simulation model.
Methods:
Respiratory therapists (n=98) were instructed to ventilate a manikin for 18 breaths. Linear regression was utilized to determine associated predictors with the outcomes: delivered tidal volume, pressure and flow rate.
Results:
Among all participants, the mean ventilation parameters include a tidal volume of 599.70 ml, peak pressure of 26.35 cmH2O, and flow rate of 77.20 l/min. Higher confidence values were positively associated with delivered peak pressure (p=0.01) and flow rate (p=0.008). Those with the most confidence in using the BVM actually delivered higher peak pressures and flow rates compared to those with lower confidence levels.
Conclusions:
Our results emphasize the urgent need to create an intervention that allows providers to deliver safe and optimal manual ventilation.
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