Bag Valve Mask
Bag Valve Mask
A Bag Valve Mask (BVM), often referred to as a Ambu bag or Manual resuscitator or Pressure infusion Cuff, is a hand-held device commonly used to provide positive pressure ventilation to patients who are not breathing or not breathing adequately. The device is a required part of resuscitation kits for trained professionals in out-of-hospital settings (such as Emergency Medical Technicians) and is also frequently used in hospitals as part of standard equipment found on a Crash cart, in emergency rooms or intensive care units.
Pronunciation
- Bag: /bæɡ/
- Valve: /vælv/
- Mask: /mæsk/
Etymology
The term "Bag Valve Mask" is derived from the function and structure of the device. The "bag" is a self-inflating bulb that the rescuer squeezes to pass air or oxygen into the patient's lungs. The "valve" controls the direction of the airflow and prevents exhaled air from entering the bag. The "mask" is the interface between the device and the patient, which is placed over the patient's face to deliver the airflow.
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