bag, mask, valve ventilation

Last reviewed 01/2018

Bag mask valve ventilation has the following advantages:

  • provides immediate ventilation and oxygenation
  • sense of compliance and airway resistance conveyed to operator
  • ideal method of ventilation after intubation
  • high oxygen concentrations are possible
  • can be used with spontaneous respirations

Complications include:

  • inadequate tidal volumes leading to hypoventilation
  • gastric distention