What Is the Correct Volume of Air to Deliver During BVM Ventilations?
When a cardiac emergency strikes, understanding how to perform bag valve mask (BVM) ventilation can literally make the difference between life and death. However, it’s not just enough to get a basic lesson in how to use BVM ventilation. Healthcare providers need to know how to deliver the correct volume of air during BVM ventilations to protect their patients and increase the odds of a positive outcome.
What Is BVM Ventilation?
Bag valve mask (BVM) ventilation is a resuscitation technique where the rescuer uses a self-inflating bag connected to a face mask to deliver oxygen directly to a patient’s lungs. It’s used most often in emergency situations such as:
- Cardiac arrest
- Respiratory failure
- When a patient is under anesthesia
BVM ventilation is such an important skill that it’s included in the core curriculum of the Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) CPR certification courses.
All healthcare professionals should know how to perform BVM ventilation in a cardiac emergency.
AHA Recommended Air Volumes for BVM Ventilation
While emergencies are often fraught with adrenaline and emotion, healthcare providers need to focus on providing the right amount of oxygen to patients when performing BVM ventilation.
The American Heart Association (AHA) offers valuable guidelines for the correct volume of air to deliver during BVM ventilations. These recommendations are based on the patient’s age and size:
- Adults: 500 – 600mL per breath. Try to achieve a visible chest rise.
- Children: 6-10mL/kg per breath. Look for visible chest rise.
- Infants: 4-6mL/kg per breath. Should achieve a gentle chest rise.
Common Errors with Bag Valve Mask BVM Ventilation (And How to Avoid Them)
In an emergency situation, mistakes can have a profoundly negative impact on patients. That’s why it’s so important to understand common mistakes that can happen during BVM ventilation:
-
- Over-ventilating: Delivering breaths with too much force or too quickly can inflate a patient’s stomach, causing vomiting and aspiration. Stick to the AHA’s recommended air volume for each age group.
- Poor mask seal: If you aren’t able to effectively seal the mask around the patient’s face, life-saving oxygen could leak out with each pump, reducing the overall effectiveness of the ventilation. Make sure to use a proper mask size. If possible, work with a partner so one person can use a two-handed grip around the mask to create a tight seal.
- Insufficient ventilation: While providing too much oxygen to a patient can be a bad thing, so can providing too little. Underinflation means your patient isn’t getting enough oxygen. Look to make sure your patient’s chest is rising with each pump.
Practice BVM Ventilation Skills Anytime with CPR Cart
Many healthcare providers rarely perform BVM ventilation, making regular practice essential. CPR Cart helps you sharpen your skills while earning your BLS, ACLS, or PALS certification.
Automated manikin stations provide real-time feedback, unlimited practice attempts, and the flexibility to train at your own pace. Complete your skills test and receive your AHA eCard immediately. Perfect your BVM ventilation skills with a nationwide provider committed to your confidence and clinical readiness.