Single Rescuer Ventilation Using a Bag Valve Mask with Removable External Handle: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionVentilation with a bag valve mask (BVM) is a challenging but critical skill for airway management in the prehospital setting.HypothesisTidal volumes received during single rescuer ventilation with a modified BVM with supplemental external handle will be higher than those delivered using a standard BVM among health care volunteers in a manikin model.MethodsThis study was a randomized crossover trial of adult health care providers performing ventilation on a manikin. Investigators randomized participants to perform single rescuer ventilation, first using either a BVM modified by addition of a supplemental external handle or a standard unmodified BVM (Spur II BVM device; Ambu; Ballerup, Denmark). Participants performed mask placement and delivery of 10 breaths per minute for three minutes, as guided by a metronome. After a three-minute rest period, they performed ventilation using the alternative device. The primary outcome measure was mean received tidal volume as measured by the manikin (IngMar RespiTrainer model; IngMar Medical; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA). Secondary outcomes included subject device preference.ResultsOf 70 recruited participants, all completed the study. The difference in mean received tidal volume between ventilations performed using the modified BVM with external handle versus standard BVM was 20 ml (95% CI, -16 to 56 ml; P=.28). There were no significant differences in mean received tidal volume based on the order of study arm allocation. The proportion of participants preferring the modified BVM over the standard BVM was 47.1% (95% CI, 35.7 to 58.6%).ConclusionsThe modified BVM with added external handle did not result in greater mean received tidal volume compared to standard BVM during single rescuer ventilation in a manikin model.ReedP, ZobristB, CasmaerM, SchauerSG, KesterN, AprilMD. Single rescuer ventilation using a bag valve mask with removable external handle: a randomized crossover trial. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(6):625–630.