To achieve effective bag-mask ventilation, alongside holding the mask, you must perform a maneuver to open the airway and ensure a proper seal. The reference specifically emphasizes the importance of the jaw lift maneuver as part of this process.
Achieving an Effective Seal and Airway
Effective bag-mask ventilation relies on two primary factors: creating a tight seal between the mask and the patient's face and ensuring an open airway. Holding the mask correctly is crucial for the seal, but the simultaneous airway maneuver, such as the jaw lift, is equally vital for ventilation effectiveness.
The provided reference highlights a key aspect of this process:
- Target Bony Structure: When performing the jaw lift maneuver while holding the mask, "Be sure to pull up only on the Bony parts of the mandible." This action helps to lift the tongue away from the back of the throat, opening the airway.
- Avoid Soft Tissues: It is critical to avoid applying pressure to the soft tissues of the neck. The reference states, "Pressure to the soft tissues of the neck may obstruct the airway." This obstruction would negate the purpose of ventilation.
- Achieving a Seal: The reference notes, "Once a good seal has been achieved begin to ventilate the patient." This underscores that the jaw lift maneuver is performed while holding the mask to help create or maintain the necessary seal for successful ventilation.
Steps for Effective Mask Holding and Ventilation
While the reference doesn't detail the exact hand placement on the mask itself (like the C-E grip), it provides essential instructions regarding the airway maneuver performed in conjunction with holding the mask:
- Position the Mask: Place the mask over the patient's nose and mouth.
- Perform Jaw Lift: Use your fingers (typically the ring, middle, and index fingers of one hand) to pull upwards on the bony angles of the patient's mandible (jawbone).
- Ensure Airway Openness: Verify that you are only pulling on the bony mandible and are not compressing the soft tissues of the neck, which could block the airway.
- Create a Seal: Press the mask firmly against the face, using the thumb and index finger of the same hand holding the mask, while maintaining the upward pull on the jawbone. This simultaneous action helps achieve a tight seal and keeps the airway open.
- Begin Ventilation: Once a good seal has been achieved, use your other hand to compress the bag and deliver breaths.
By combining the proper mask placement and seal technique with the described jaw lift maneuver focusing on the bony mandible, you significantly increase the effectiveness of bag-mask ventilation.
