The standard universal precautions recommend the use of
barrier devices to prevent the spread of infection when performing rescue
breathing or CPR at workplace.
There are 2 types of barrier
device.
Pocket Mask / Face Mask
Pocket masks are firmer, more
rigid devices that fit over the victim’s mouth and nose.
It is transparent so that any
vomitus or secretion can be seen and clear away during rescue breathing.
It has a one-way valve with a
filter to keep the victim’s exhale air and body fluids from the rescuer’s
mouth.
Using a Pocket Mask
Push out the mask or dome and
attach one-way valve.
Use on adults and children,
position narrow portion marked “nose” over the victim’s nose, mask is placed
above chin and cover mouth and nose of victim.
Use on infants, reverse the mask over infant’s face. Its’
nose part is under the infant’s chin. Then, apply mask over the face.
Air-Viva Resuscitator
The
Air-Viva Resuscitator consists of an adult recoil bag, adult reservoir bag, two face masks oral airways of various sizes and an operating instruction manual.
It is intended for use on adults only (40 kg and over). When higher oxygen
levels are required, a reservoir bag and supplementary oxygen can be connected
to the Air-Viva to deliver higher concentration of oxygen to the victim.
Operation of Air-Viva
Resuscitator:
·
Select the correct size of transparent facemask
and attach to the mask connector.
·
Attach the reservoir bag and connect oxygen
tubing to the recoil bag (see picture below).
·
Position yourself at the top of victim’s head.
Maintain head tilt-chin lift; seal the mask over victim’s nose and mouth. The
narrow portion of mask (marked ‘NOSE’) should be placed over the bridge of the
nose and seal tightly on the face.
The Air-Viva operation requires considerable skill and
practice. Effective ventilation is more likely to be provided when two-rescuers
operate the Air-Viva together.
One rescuer at the head seals the mask and the other rescuer
squeezes the bag slowly (over 1 second for each breath) until the victim’s
chest rises. Then release the recoil bag, allowing the victim to exhale through
the mask. Continue squeezing the recoil bag once every 5 seconds for adult. If
the victim’s chest does not rise and fall, you may need to reposition the head.
It is important that after each use the Air-Viva should be
sent for proper cleaning and sanitization.
WARNING:
·
The Air-viva Resuscitator is not suitable for
use in toxic atmospheres.
·
The oral airways should only be used by properly
trained medical personnel.
·
Do not attempt to ventilate by squeezing the
reservoir bag.
·
Caution the hazard of Gastric Distention, which may lead to vomiting. Gastric distention
is most likely to occur when rescue breathing is carried out too forcefully and
too rapidly or due to improper head position.
If vomiting does occur, turn the victim’s entire body to the
side; wipe out the mouth with your gloved hand to prevent aspiration during
CPR.