Using Masks & Barrier Devices for Germ-Free CPR

Video Transcript

"Hi again, I’m Michelle of the AD HOC Group. No one expects a rescuer to put his life or health in jeopardy when assisting an injured person. There are a number of diseases that can be spread by contact with body fluids, such as saliva, blood, nasal discharge, tears, phlegm, et cetera. Also a rescue breath and compressions may cause the victim to vomit especially if air gets into the stomach. Masks with one way valves and filters provide safety from contamination and offer protection for the rescuer. Here’s a mask with a filter and a one way valve. Once you’ve used a barrier device, throw it away, these are disposable and not appropriate for reuse. Masks are available from suppliers of rescue equipment and training supplies. The one way valve directs air from you to the victim and then out this out this exhalation port. The filter is added for protection. If you have a mask or think you will get one, this is how you will use it. Position the head as you did for mouth to mouth breathing, place the narrow part of the mask on the bridge of the nose, then lay the mask down so that the wider end rest across the chin, not under the chin. Fit it the best you can. If you’re at the victim’s side, hold the mask so that you can make a seal with one hand wrapped around the mouth piece and applying light pressure around the nose area. With the other hand, lift the chin up into the mask to keep the airway open. Don’t press the mask down around the mouth or up toward the nose because you can close off the airway. Now blow two breaths through the opening of the mask each about one second in length. For adults, pause about four seconds after each breath. For children, pause about two seconds after each breath. When you’re alternating with compressions, don’t try to balance the mask on the face, if it falls off let it go and then reposition it when you come back to do the two breaths. So that’s it, congratulations. Now you’ve learn to do CPR and choking relief and how to use a mask if you have one. We hope you don’t ever have to use these skills, but if you do, now you know what you can do and what you can’t do and why you’re doing it. Thanks for watching. "