- Pocket mask
A pocket mask, or pocket face mask or CPR mask, is a device used to safely deliver rescue breaths during a
cardiac arrest orrespiratory arrest .Design
The pocket mask is a small device that can be carried on one's person. Air is administered to the patient when the emergency responder exhales through a one-way filter valve. Modern pocket masks have either a built in one-way valve or an attachable, disposable filter to protect the emergency responder from the patient's potentially infectious bodily substances, such as
vomit orblood . [cite web |url= http://www.lifesavers.org.uk/press_release/pdf/Pocket_Mask_Resuscitation.pdf |title= Pocket Mask Resuscitation|type= PDF |accessdate=2008-01-18]Many masks also have a built-in oxygen intake tube, allowing for administration of 50-60% oxygen. Without being hooked up to an external line, exhaled air from the provider can still provide sufficient oxygen to live, up to 16%. Earth's
atmosphere consists of approximately 21% oxygen.Usage
While a pocket mask is not as efficient as a
bag valve mask , it does have advantages, besides portability, when only one rescuer is available. Because the bag valve mask requires two hands to operate, one to form a seal and the other to squeeze the bag, the pocket mask allows for both of the rescuer's hands to be on the patients head. This allows the responder to perform a jaw thrust on patient's suspected of a spinal injury.References
ee also
*
Bag valve mask
*Face shield
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