Manual bag valve mask ventilation performance among respiratory therapists

BACKGROUND: High peak pressures delivered via bag valve mask (BVM) can be dangerous for patients. OBJECTIVE: To examine manual ventilation performance among respiratory therapists (RTs) in a simulation model. METHODS: Respiratory therapists (n=98) were instructed to ventilate a manikin for 18 breaths. Linear regression was utilized to determine associated predictors with the outcomes: delivered tidal volume, pressure and flow rate. RESULTS: Among all participants, the mean ventilation parameters include a tidal volume of 599.70 ml, peak pressure of 26.35 cmH(2)O, and flow rate of 77.20 l/min. Higher confidence values were positively associated with delivered peak pressure (p=0.01) and flow rate (p=0.008). Those with the most confidence in using the BVM actually delivered higher peak pressures and flow rates compared to those with lower confidence levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our results emphasize the urgent need to create an intervention that allows providers to deliver safe and optimal manual ventilation.