Which statement about the one-person bag-mask device technique is correct?

Which statement about the one-person bag-mask device technique is correct?

• A. It requires a blocker to be inserted
• B. It is easy to maintain adequate tidal volume with a single rescuer
• C. It delivers higher oxygen concentration than two-person technique
• D. Adequate tidal volume is often difficult to achieve when one EMT is operating the bag-mask device

Answer: (D)

The skill being tested is how reliable ventilation is when done by a single rescuer. When one EMT uses a bag-mask device, the same hand that grips the mask must also squeeze the bag, which often compromises the seal or delivery of air. This makes it hard to achieve a consistent, adequate tidal volume, especially as fatigue sets in or if the patient’s airway is difficult. With two rescuers, one can maintain a tight mask seal with both hands while the other continuously squeezes the bag, leading to more reliable chest rise and ventilation. The method doesn’t require a blocker, and while a reservoir can provide good oxygen delivery, a single-rescuer setup doesn’t inherently deliver higher oxygen than the two-person approach—the main advantage is the improved seal and tidal volume with two rescuers.

The skill being tested is how reliable ventilation is when done by a single rescuer. When one EMT uses a bag-mask device, the same hand that grips the mask must also squeeze the bag, which often compromises the seal or delivery of air. This makes it hard to achieve a consistent, adequate tidal volume, especially as fatigue sets in or if the patient’s airway is difficult. With two rescuers, one can maintain a tight mask seal with both hands while the other continuously squeezes the bag, leading to more reliable chest rise and ventilation. The method doesn’t require a blocker, and while a reservoir can provide good oxygen delivery, a single-rescuer setup doesn’t inherently deliver higher oxygen than the two-person approach—the main advantage is the improved seal and tidal volume with two rescuers.