Ventilatory volumes using mouth-to-mouth, mouth-to-mask, and bag-valve-mask techniques

The volumes delivered to a resuscitation manikin were compared using four ventilatory techniques: mouth-to-mouth, mouth-to-mask, one-person bag-valve-mask, and two-person bag-valve-mask. The effects of experience and sex of the rescuer on the resuscitation volume delivered were also evaluated. The volume delivered using the one-person bag-valve-mask technique was significantly less than that using the other three techniques (P less than 0.001). The experience and sex of the rescuer made no significant difference in the volume delivered using any of the techniques. As compared with the one-person technique, bag-valve-mask ventilatory volume improved significantly when it was performed as a two-person technique. The mean volumes delivered using mouth-to-mouth and mouth-to-mask ventilation were lower than those recommended by the American Heart Association. Emphasis must be placed on ventilation with an adequate volume when these techniques are taught. When mouth-to-mouth and mouth-to-mask ventilation are taught, a spirometer should be used with the manikin so that the rescuer can learn how to estimate an adequate expired volume.