Which of the following statements about bag-valve-mask resuscitators (BVMs) ?is most accurate?
A BVMs are readily available at all emergency scenes.
B Monitoring the victim for full exhalation is not required.
C Ventilations are more effective when two rescuers operate the BVM.
D When used by a single rescuer, BVMs allow easy coordination with chest compressions.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
C. Ventilations are more effective when two rescuers operate the BVM.
Explanation:
Bag-valve-mask (BVM) resuscitators are a vital tool in emergency care for providing ventilatory support to a victim who is not breathing adequately or at all. However, their effective use requires skill, and the circumstances in which they are employed can affect their efficacy.
- A. BVMs are readily available at all emergency scenes:
This is incorrect because BVMs are not guaranteed to be present at every emergency scene, especially in non-clinical settings. Their availability depends on whether trained medical personnel or emergency medical services (EMS) are on-site with the necessary equipment. - B. Monitoring the victim for full exhalation is not required:
This is incorrect because monitoring for proper exhalation is crucial to prevent air trapping and complications like barotrauma or gastric insufflation. Ensuring the victim fully exhales between ventilations helps avoid overventilation and improves gas exchange. - C. Ventilations are more effective when two rescuers operate the BVM:
This is correct because BVMs require precise technique for a proper seal and effective ventilation. When two rescuers operate the BVM, one can focus on maintaining a tight mask seal while the other performs compressions or squeezes the bag to deliver breaths. This division of labor reduces air leakage and improves ventilation efficacy. - D. When used by a single rescuer, BVMs allow easy coordination with chest compressions:
This is incorrect because using a BVM effectively as a single rescuer is challenging. It requires managing the mask seal, ventilations, and chest compressions simultaneously, which compromises efficiency and quality.
In summary, the most accurate statement is that two rescuers using a BVM can achieve more effective ventilation due to better seal management and coordination.