Two-Minute Training for Improving Neonatal Bag and Mask Ventilation

OBJECTIVES: To test effectivity of a two-minute training consisting of a few key-points in ventilation using the self-inflating bag (SIB). STUDY DESIGN: Experienced and inexperienced caregivers were asked to mask ventilate a leak free manikin using the SIB before and after the training. Mask leak and pressures were measured using respiratory function monitoring. Pressures above 35 cm H(2)O were considered excessive. Parameters were compared using a Wilcoxon non-parametric test. RESULTS: Before and after the short training, experienced caregivers had minimal median (IQR) mask leak (14 (3-75) vs. 3 (0-53)%; p<0.01). Inexperienced users had large leak which reduced from 51 (7-91)% before to 11 (2-71)% after training (p<0.01). Pressures above 35 cm H(2)O hardly occurred in experienced caregivers (0 (0-5) vs. 0 (0-0)%; ns). In inexperienced caregivers this frequently occurred but decreased considerably after training (94 (46-100) vs. 2 (0-70)%; p<0.01). CONCLUSION: A two-minute training of bag and mask ventilation was effective. This training could be incorporated into any training program.