[The importance of pressure registration in mask-balloon ventilation]

In positive pressure hand ventilation appropriate ventilatory pressures are essential for effectiveness and safety of treatment. Workers in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit were asked to ventilate an imaginary patient. A diaphragm-manometer was used for measurements. This manometer was only visible to the investigator. Peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) and peak end expiratory pressure (PEEP) were recorded. Rather great differences in administered PIP were observed. Unintentionally, PEEP was given in many cases. It is concluded, that in positive pressure hand ventilation pressures should be monitored by measurement.