A pocket mask with an oxygen port is used to provide supplemental oxygen while performing rescue breaths, ensuring the patient receives oxygen-enriched air. Here's how to use it:
Preparing the Pocket Mask
- Attach the Oxygen Tubing: Connect one end of the oxygen tubing to the oxygen port on the pocket mask and the other end to an oxygen source (e.g., oxygen tank, regulator). The reference video confirms that the mask has an oxygen port.
- Set Oxygen Flow Rate: Set the oxygen flow rate according to your training. This rate is usually between 10-15 liters per minute (LPM) to deliver oxygen-enriched air during ventilations.
- Pre-assemble the mask: Make sure that the one-way valve is properly connected to the mask, ensuring the air goes into the patient.
Applying the Mask to the Patient
- Position the Mask: Place the narrow part of the pocket mask over the bridge of the patient's nose and the wider part over the patient's mouth.
- Secure the Mask: Use both hands to hold the mask against the patient's face, forming a tight seal. The elasticated band should be secured around the patient's head, according to the reference video.
- Observe Chest Rise: When delivering breaths, make sure the patient's chest rises. This indicates that air is entering the lungs.
Delivering Breaths
- Rescue Breathing: Every time you blow into the valve, you're delivering air into the patient's lungs. Since oxygen is connected, you're also delivering oxygen-enriched air, which helps in providing better oxygenation.
Key Considerations
- Proper Seal: Maintaining a tight seal is crucial for effective ventilation. Adjust your hand placement or re-position the mask if needed.
- Head Tilt-Chin Lift: Make sure that the patient's airway is open using a head-tilt chin-lift technique or a jaw-thrust if needed to help ensure the air reaches the lungs effectively.
- Training: Proper training on the use of pocket masks, along with hands-on practice, is crucial to becoming proficient in using it.
- One-way Valve Function: The one-way valve on the mask helps prevent exhaled air from going back into the rescuer's mouth. The video highlights this essential feature for safety.
By utilizing a pocket mask with an oxygen port, you are not only providing breaths but also delivering supplemental oxygen. This is an important step to help increase a patient's chances of recovery.
