EMT Bag Valve Mask Ventilation for Apneic Patient

Key Points for Skill Success

Body Substance Isolation (BSI): Verbalize or take appropriate precautions.
Assessment Steps:
- Check responsiveness and breathing.
- Request additional EMS assistance.
- Check the pulse for 5-10 seconds.
- Open the airway properly.

Manually open the airway.
Insert an oral pharyngeal airway (OPA).
Begin ventilation using a bag valve mask (BVM) without initial oxygen attachment.

Recheck pulse for 5-10 seconds.
Attach BVM assembly (mask, bag, reservoir) to oxygen at 15 L/min.
Ensure patient ventilation:
- Provide sufficient volume for chest rise.
- Ventilate 10-12 breaths per minute (do not exceed 12).

Scene Safety: Confirm if the scene is safe ("BSI, is my scene safe?" -> Scene is safe).
Patient Responsiveness: Check for responsiveness (Patient is unresponsive and apneic).
EMS Request: Request additional EMS resources.
Pulse Check: Detect a weak carotid pulse (64 bpm).
Airway Clearance:
- Mouth full of secretions and vomitus.
- Suction using catheter, ensuring clearance of mouth and oral pharynx.
OPA Insertion: Insert OPA if no gag reflex.
Ventilation:
- Initiate BVM ventilation at 10-12 breaths/min.
- Recheck carotid pulse (still present).
- Confirm breaths go in without difficulty.
Oxygen Attachment: Attach BVM to high-flow oxygen.
Volume Assessment: Ensure adequate chest rise and fall.

Skill involves demonstrating sequential procedures: maneuvers, suctioning, adjuncts, and BVM ventilation.
Must ventilate mannequin for at least one minute with each technique.
Train assistant will follow orders during skill assessment.

Non-Trauma Scenario: Cervical precautions not required.
Equipment Familiarization: Candidates should familiarize themselves with the equipment prior to performing skills.