EMT Skills: Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) Ventilation - EMTprep.com

[@TheJosephOuellette]

I am currently in EMT class and one of the first things we learned was to never stand an oxygen tank on its flat bottom, always have it lying on its side. We were also told to verbalize what method of opening the airway we were using (jaw thrust or head tilt chin lift) and to verbalize we were using the EC method to make a seal of the mask to patients face. Not trying to nitpick, but our instructor said our proctors will nitpick us doing our practical. Great informative test prep videos nonetheless. Thank you very much for the videos.

[@Linknasty]

Joseph Ouellette can you help me out once I get to EMT class

[@christiancapraun764]

Another thing too is when they ask how do you know you're ventilating properly you should auscultate for breath sounds

[@IAMinCOMMAND32]

@@christiancapraun764 Equal rise and fall of the chest.

[@ValverdeChristmas]

@@christiancapraun764 You should only auscultate if there are 2 providers. You cannot use a stethoscope and create a good seal.

[@jackscott9202]

Same here

[@macaliluv09]

“Is there anything else you’d like to do” always gets me 😭🤧

[@dillanfolkers669]

I dread that question as the exam gets closer

[@jabbawookeez01]

I hate that question.. many times I do it right.. they ask this.. it throws me off thinking I did something wrong, then I add something making the whole thing wrong. 🤦‍♂️

[@martialartsnerd7673]

I think a better thing would be, when the student thinks they are done is to have them say "And I'm done with this station".

[@notanurse2373]

I mean...throw up? Is that what you mean?

[@ericramirez9137]

“Is there anything else you’d like to do?” Instructions unclear administering Nitro rectally

[@Jessp817]

Good video except that having the O2 tank standing up is a critical fail in the exam

[@Emtprep]

Good catch Jess, like we've mentioned in other comments on this video, we kept it standing to show it in the video, and this particular tank has a stem protector on it. Still want to lay it down though for sure!

[@trucks2010]

Jess P i

[@otty4166]

exactly what i observed. Always have it lay down, it could fall on the patients head.

[@Nino_J]

Not in Wisconsin

[@jacobvaldivia7186]

TL Nino lol ok

[@jordanosorio3683]

Moby is killing these assessment skills !

[@Emtprep]

Good one. He does enjoy techno music.

[@Powerbandm]

Extreme ways are back again

[@vinny57ish]

I use to be in the EMS field back in the early 80's, now with a aging mother with some medical conditions? I find myself returning to these BLS procedures . Im glad i discovered the channel here as a great reference guide . To be honest though. I really don't plan on doing a lot of the techniques but i will get my C.P.R. card and do a advance first aid class of which should with this video of refeshing certain techniques will come in handy. In close. Watching these great video's certainly takes me back in time to when i took my class in EMS , EMT B classes. Thanks. 👍

[@gulnozaibragimova200]

EMTpret out here doing GODS WORK! THANKS A LOT!

[@SpadeMonroe]

Not me watching this video a million times over before my midterm exam tonight 😅

[@nocturnalvonte5488]

Mine is tmr

[@Zeroreason]

taking my exam tonight your videos have helped a lot thanks

[@courtneykeenan1673]

Thank you so much for these videos! I have my exams for EMT-B next month and these are a huge help.

[@Emtprep]

+Courtney KeenBean You bet Courtney! Glad you're getting good use out of them.

[@miguelcruz7070]

Great video! Really breaks down step by step in such a basic teachable way. Only thing is verbalize that you're going to suction no more then 15 seconds! Other than that spot on.

[@Emtprep]

Miguel Cruz Thanks Miguel. Glad you're getting some good use out of the videos!

[@thecandysama]

When during exam I got asked the question "Is there anything else you'd like to do", I would usually stare at the patient, look at the examiner for some clue then look at the patient again then at the examiner again and blank out. I can never confidently say "I don't have anything to do anymore"

[@Emtprep]

That's a question that stumps a lot of people! Just make sure you use that time to verbalize any tweaks you want to make to what you did. If you have nothing you want to mention, say 'Nope, that's it, thank you for your time."

[@danniellewiltshire9857]

Thanks so much for the great videos! They were very helpful for myself as well as my classmates for our NREMT!

[@rhude22]

Also to determine adequate ventilations you could inform the proctor that you would ask your partner to ausculate lung sounds and look for improvement in skin color.

[@Emtprep]

Daniel Rhude Awesome idea Daniel!

[@lexaschocke3970]

I'm soooo happy I found these! total lifesaver! no pun intended lol ;)

[@Emtprep]

+Lexa Schocke LOL Lexa! Glad you're finding our videos to be of help.

[@Tbear561]

He didn't measure out the catheter... corner of mouth to earlobe

[@Emtprep]

Hey Tobias, he did it's just a bad camera angle. Definitely something to improve on!

[@MaineAviationCessna]

Didn't measure oral airway tho

[@sune6708]

Damn right. What bad angle? I was watching the entire thing and homie just stuck the catheter right in the dudes mouth.

[@dakotahallen2640]

In case yall didn't know, the O2 tank is standing up when it should be laid down. Totally kidding ;) great videos!!!! I recommend yall to my class mates, the videos and your testprep

[@Emtprep]

That is funny!!!! Thanks for the laugh Dakotah and thanks for the recommendations!!!

[@matthewlerma7975]

Omg I was thinking the same lol. "autofail!" Lol 😂 great video these helped alot.

[@shaunellenoble7004]

Your right

[@salshoban-dallmayr1774]

without one hand on it or for educational purposes yes 😂

[@ryanbauer5468]

I didn't know Dr. Mark Greene from ER was an EMT before going to med school. Nice video, thanks!

[@radicalerin4896]

In Ga they make you say you are using the CE technique, Verbalize measurement of the OPA, say you are suctioning in a zig zag formation.

[@Emtprep]

Radical Erin Great insight Erin thank you!!

[@TheRamos53]

Thank you for these videos, they are so helpful while i am currently getting EMT cetified

[@Emtprep]

You bet Ryan! Be sure to check out the Free Training Page on EMTprep.com for more great content.

[@sherylbarrone9803]

The tank standing up isn't as bad as the ventilations........should be every 5-6 seconds not every 2 or 3. These videos are great learning tools and they did a great job. Just remember no one is perfect.

[@rmps001]

Suggestion: Always place the O2 tank on its side! You can see how it is unstable while on its end in the video. Having said this, these videos are extremely helpful. Thanks!

[@Emtprep]

Rich Saalsaa Great point Rich! The beauty of that style of oxygen cylinder is the protective ring around the neck. We only stood it up to display it to the camera better than if it were on its side. We're excited that you're getting use out of these videos. Thanks!

[@salshoban-dallmayr1774]

@@Emtprep good point upon second listen tho it seemed full or at least had some degree of oxygen. can i assume that was because the psi was under 500 and there was no critical risk of injury ? not knocking at all i’m a new emt student learning and just curious.

[@philup9864]

Thank you for this video!!! But now do we need to verbalize the amount of oxygen we are giving?

[@Buck1223]

Great job. I've always been taught to measure the OPA before inserting but other than that I thought you guys did really well. Very smooth.

[@Emtprep]

Buck1223 Great point! Sometimes when you're in your scenarios you'll only be presented with the correct size OPA so it makes measuring pretty easy! Definitely something we can improve on in our next round of videos.

[@TheOutlawMan]

Are these still good in 2021?

[@gusjeazer]

With atraumatic suction catheters you can insert with suction.

[@_SilentPrayer_]

How do you know your ventilating adequately? We learned equal chest rise and fall, condensation in mask and good bag compliance.

[@Emtprep]

Those seem like really good indicators!

[@andywood8776]

my exam is tomorrow, binging all these videos as my last bit of prep. I'm so nervous.

[@Emtprep]

You got this Andy! We're pulling for you! Be sure to let us know how it goes.

[@andywood8776]

Passed everything but cpr/aed. It's a simple one but it was my first and i was too nervous to remember anything. Get to retest in a month. Until then i study!

[@Emtprep]

Keep your head up Andy! You got this! Let us know if you have any questions come up during your studies.

[@MrsB6612]

Andy Wood did you passed everything?

[@1jesse251]

this is my situation right now haha

[@jominconstanzo9018]

Just out of curiosity. Is it ok to stop the assisted ventilation while connecting the BVM to the oxygen tank?

[@salshoban-dallmayr1774]

pro tip: you’re actually looking for TWO things for adequate ventilation. bilateral or equal chest rise and fall AND no gastric distinction. gastric distention meaning no air in the stomach. if you or your partner notice the stomach rising at any point, stop ventilation briefly and reassess and reestablish your airway.

[@SwiftElectron]

Great video, but during BVM rescue breaths, shouldn't the head be tilted back (at 3:58, and 4:27)?

[@Emtprep]

As long as the head is in the sniffing position, you should be good to go. Good thinking Isakov!

[@kinder101]

You have to make sure there is nothing in the mouth and verbalize it before you place the suction. You have to measure the catheter going into the patients mouth You have to measure the OPA before insertion

[@franksturt2226]

Great video! How often would you check for a pulse though? Is there a specific?

[@smj-yg7eq]

Would you open the airway with jaw thrust or head tilt chin lift?

[@jorge11620]

+smj1245 usually with head tilt chin lift, ask your examiner if a spine injury is present, if so that's when you would use jaw thrust :)

[@smj-yg7eq]

+Jorge Vazquez i thought so i just see videos that do it different than some.

[@Emtprep]

+smj1245 Students helping students is what we love to see!

[@smj-yg7eq]

+EMTprep yall have been very helpful i failed my first time but will get it next time this saturday!

[@jorge11620]

+smj1245 goodluck hope you pass!! :)

[@TriniPlug]

Do you use jaw thrust maneuver for bvm of this skill or head tilt?

[@slender169101]

Can't you apply the oxygen to the BVM before everything? I think that's what my EMS instructor told me when i was doing it back in 2019

[@Emtprep]

Hey Slender, yes that is totally acceptable. Remember for the skill eval to follow the skill sheets verbatim, verbalizing each step as you go.

[@gunchief0811]

this is good to go. i look forward to completing my E.M.T. course @ UCLA in Los Angeles. it's a tough thorough course iv'e been told. gotta rise to the tough challenges in life :) GET SOME!

[@Emtprep]

Bryan Calhoun Great attitude Bryan!

[@maksimivanovic1289]

Bryan Calhoun good luck bryan, this video is pretty helpful BTW, i can also recommend to u all to google Corbandy Medic Study Crusher to help u with ur emt practice exam

[@asrafulislam2668]

+Bryan Calhoun Hi I like this video, especially the ideas about emt practice quiz . A product I also found helpfull for emt testing is Corbandy Medic Study Crusher - if anyone is interested search on google

[@JamalForde]

Bryan Calhoun I

[@colinvickers4683]

Great Job. Although you did not measure the suction catheter

[@Emtprep]

Colin Vickers Hey Colin, it is hard to see, but the EMT does put his finger in the appropriate spot to mark the depth, but you're correct, verbalizing that would have been good to. Glad you're enjoying the videos.

[@fluffywhiteboy5707]

After putting in the OPA I found it's much easier to just hook up the BVM to oxygen immediately and say " I'm going to hook the BVM to oxygen at 15l per minute and deliver breaths every 5-6secs and not to exceed 10-12 breaths per min" this way you can focus on your breaths and not having to worry about to proctor talking to you while delivering breaths at the proper rate. But make sure to deliver the first breath within 30secs after inserting the OPA.

[@Emtprep]

That sounds like a great plan of attack!

[@evv4239]

2024 and this was very helpful for my exam

[@rein163]

Catheter and OPA measurement ?

[@ConnorKristonTv]

Shouldn't the suction unit be primed prior to suctioning the airway? My instructor was telling me how she had to retake the station because she didn't prime it.

[@Emtprep]

***** Hey Connor, thanks for your question. Priming the suction canister is not a part of the skill eval, however, it is not a bad idea to do that during your test.

[@jwrivers2148]

@@Emtprep said

[@Adam135777]

he didn't measure the opa before entering it

[@heathenhalflings]

Why is Airway after breathing and circulation?

[@salshoban-dallmayr1774]

so breathing does not come before airway for a reason. think about it like your ABC’s: airway, breathing, circulation. if a patient is choking, their airway is the problem first not the breathing as it’s implied with choking that the patient is not breathing. you can’t breathe without an airway. you can have an airway without breathing however. Airway was checked first in this scenario as there was a blockage of secretion or vomitus which blocks the Airway. first thing we did when checking was suctioning that out. second went onto pulse and Breathing. if you cleared the Airway through suction, next would be to assess if patient has a pulse and is Breathing. he had a pulse which was not Breathing which then led to C- Circulation. apply the oxygen to Circulate oxygen for the patient into the blood. i hope that helped a bit and i only capitalized the A, B, and C (airway, breath, circulation) to make it more apparent when each one kicks in. final step is always D: Decision. Decide what the next step or treatment is for your patient. usually immediate critical transport and possibly medications you have that are not orally (by mouth) taken in. epi pen or epinephrine if the patient has their own for example and is going into anaphylactic shock. hopefully that clarified it a bit for you but if it didn’t i’m not expert and still always learning so please correct me if i am incorrect.

[@BananasAndPeas]

How can I stop freezing during codes?

[@taylordaniellenack7925]

so what if ur hands are to small and air is leaks out of the sides of the BVM?

[@Emtprep]

It's all about positioning Taylor, gotta find what works for you.

[@silverskater558]

is the reservoir supposed to be attached to the BVM when you first ventilate the Pt.?

[@harliederosa9731]

He did great but he didn’t measure the catheter or OPA from the ear lobe to the corner of the mouth

[@TrackMonkey327]

Great video. Thanks for posting it.

[@stephanieacosta1012]

You should also verbalize (if you do not have) gloves. . . that is part of BSI. . . But if you have gloves already do you have to say it?

[@Emtprep]

+Stephanie Dao you would verbalize them if you did not have them available. If you're wearing them, there is no reason to say it.

[@sierrafuchs6717]

Stephanie Dao im taking my test monday. Ive been told that unless I say bsi, even if I actually have gloves on, Ill be considered to not have proper pee

[@wanderingunicorn6529]

To be on the safe side verbalize it. New rules we have received state that you only have to hold up your hands to indicate BSI but I personally would verbalize like the video anyways. They also say you are not required to wear gloves depending on the situation now..which I think is absurd. You never know who you treat.

[@Geo-iz4oi]

If The Patient Is In Critical Condition, Do We Use BVM Or Non-rebreather Mask?

[@Emtprep]

+Geovany Analco Depends on what you're considering critical Geovany. That's too broad of a question to give a definitive answer to. Simply put, it depends, either one could be called for based on how the patient is presenting.

[@Geo-iz4oi]

+EMTprep Im Just Trying To Learn As Much As Possible Before I Take EMT. Im This Video, Why Does He Provide Ventilations Without Attaching The BVM To The Oxygen First?

[@Emtprep]

+Geovany Analco Hey Geovany, check out the NREMT skill sheets and you will see why.

[@longjohntortellini853]

The BVM is for a patient who has an altered mental status or cannot maintain their own breathing. You are ventilating them, aka breathing for them. The NRB is for patients who need supplemental oxygen. They are breathing on their own, but need oxygen to remain in good health. I know that's an odd explanation, but that is how I understand it.

[@itsabearpelt]

John has a good explanation, however your patient does not have to be apneic to use a BVM. If their breathing is inadequate but they are still abnormally breathing (irregular patterns) not sustainable for proper perfusion, then you can track breathing and bag em.

[@dublinairportplanes]

do you at train EFR also , emergency first responder? its just below EMT level in ireland at least

[@Emtprep]

+alan scott Hey Alan, glad to hear our videos are beneficial out in your neck of the woods! The EMR videos will be the next ones we make, that's Emergency Medical Responder here in the states. I admit I don't know much about Ireland EMS but I would guess the two levels (EFR and EMR) are similar.

[@dublinairportplanes]

well yes its very alike in the skills set, but with EMT its a little bit fair higher in the skill set, ireland is not that far from new york 5 to 6 hours

[@smj-yg7eq]

been watching these videos nonstop. I still have weeks before the practicals. Do we have to perform all these skills or just random ones the instructor chooses?

[@CraZivR]

You have to perform CPR/AED, Spinal Immobilization of a Supine Patient, BVM, O2 Administration, Medical Assessment, and Trauma Assessment. They pick 2 others which are between Long Bone Immobilization, Spinal Immobilization of a Seated Patient, Bleeding Control/ Shock Management, and Joint Immobilization

[@genebold9544]

please define "high flow" O2? i.e. is it a specific flow rate lpm, or specific to a device? (I thought it was originally an actual setting on an older style regulator, (e.g. low flow/demand) & no longer really applicable?). a nasal cannula, w/ humidified heated O2 is called high flow. And, any lpm setting on a BVM, high enough to maintain pressure in the Bag, is delivering the highest O2 flow possible (@ EMT level), right?

[@genebold9544]

just seems to cause confusion btwn flow system settings. with oxygen concentrations?

[@Emtprep]

Hey Gene, high-flow oxygen for EMS purposes is 10-15LPM delivered by NRM.

[@valcyn48]

When checking for responsiveness do you have to check painful stimuli? I failed this exam last week and the only thing i could think of why is because i checked verbal and moved on.

[@Emtprep]

+valcyn48 hard to say for sure. Stick to those sheets verbatim and you'll do great!

[@neeithuprince2772]

Very good video

[@Emtprep]

Thanks Neeithu!

[@andrew1071]

Is it just me or does the tech look like Moby?

[@samysavage2734]

Hey do you guys have any IV station videos or Peds skill station videos?

[@Brettb9745]

SAMY SAVAGE for their AEMT/I99 videos they have the IV bolus and then the Pediatric IO skill.

[@taylorpancake]

Also shouldn’t he have measured the OPA and the catheter??

[@otty4166]

Great videos guys, really helpful. Pls make more, especially cpr with manual defibrilation- monophasic. 3rd world problems lol. thanks.

[@DJC-System]

Interesting that he didn't measure the OPA from the corner of the mouth to the ear lobe. May I ask why? It was required for my Skills Exam.

[@Emtprep]

Hey Kermit, he definitely could have done a better job showing his measurement. Consider it an error in filming on our part, not the students!

[@jamfrazier9704]

He verbalized that he was applying the catheter without suction but then had suction applied.

[@nigeldsmith99]

Actually he stated he was inserting the catheter without suction and then applying suction on the way out

[@bipsterr]

My instructor “your breaths were all over the place. Definitely not one every five to six seconds”

[@stormyryan8889]

Shouldn't he have counted ventilations and also the O2 Cylinder should have been placed down.

[@Emtprep]

Good thoughts Stormy, there is a fine line between showing the student on film what to do, and displaying items for the student to see. Many have pointed out that the cylinder should have been placed on its side and we agree. We needed to display it when filming these videos. Counting ventilations out loud is a great idea, it shows the proctor your thought process.

[@grill.daddy_3433]

He forgot to verbalize and display how to measure an OPA before inserting it.

[@Biancamarton1]

Only supposed to squeez the bag every 5-6 seconds

[@Biancamarton1]

But still good video thanks

[@JobertNeilCastro]

why no counting on each ventilation?

[@Emtprep]

Hey Neil! Not a bad idea at all. I can promise you they were definitely counting in their head, but verbalizing that is another thing you can do to show competency to the proctor.

[@dmiller8425]

The rate of ventilation for an adult is approximately 1 bag squeeze every 5-6 seconds. The emergency medicine literature has demonstrated that hyperventilation can be harmful by increasing intra-thoracic pressure, which decreases venous blood to the heart and subsequently decreases cerebral and coronary perfusion pressures. Be mindful of the potential harmful effects of hyperventilation when bagging your patient!!!!

[@Pon1Zilove]

Good video. but when assessing responsiveness, he should speak to the patient first, and if that doesn't work THEN try painful stimuli. Otherwise, you do not know if patient responds to verbal or pain.

[@Emtprep]

+Amina Mara Hey Amina! Absolutely. We make assumptions when doing these tests and this was one of those times. It's hard not to get roped in to the NREMT way of doing things.

[@chancewallace2258]

shouldn't he perform a head tilt chin lift with no suspected spinal injury?

[@Emtprep]

+Chance Wallace Good question Chance, we were going directly off the NREMT skill sheets.

[@chancewallace2258]

+EMTprep ok thank you I was downing the video one bit! it's a huge help and I'm glad you guys make these!

[@chancewallace2258]

+steve austin ok that makes since I just didn't know if they would knock you on it

[@chancewallace2258]

+steve austin ok much appreciated steve

[@sarahstarke8064]

Measure the OPA

[@ericz8982]

You should lay O2 tank on its side other than that good video

[@wavorgaston6941]

Very nice

[@heathenhalflings]

Isn't that the incorrect order?

[@Emtprep]

Nope! What are you seeing Bryan?

[@lincolncleveland6694]

Good video! Just to be picky, it's pronounced "phar-INKS" (pharynx), not "phar-NICKS.

[@Emtprep]

Thanks Lincoln, and yes you are picky...but correct!!!

[@KEDSwork]

He didn't even see if bag is even filling up

[@kevindee4198]

It bugs me that he leaves the oxygen tank standing up!

[@Emtprep]

Kevstaytrill dee We hear you on that! If that's all that anyone finds wrong with this video then I think we're in good shape though.

[@DaddyPants]

Get over it lol

[@asher8272]

never leave o2 standing

[@Emtprep]

Good point Asher, we have addressed this in a number of other comments. The bottle was left standing purely for video purposes. However, we will mention again that this specific type of bottle has an impact ring around it to protect it in case it does fall.

[@Daniandtheearth]

Is anyone else in SBCC EMT class?

[@Vintagemal1]

He should measure the suction catheter before putting it in the patients mouth. First thing they teach us

[@PMoney365]

1:01 ...pronounces oropharynx incorrectly. Pet peeves coming out here.

[@Emtprep]

That is definitely a pet peeve!

[@Firemedic1957]

YES!!! It's phaRINX (pronunciation, not spelling) NOT pharNIX. Come on people!!

[@fernandotorres643]

He failed to be honest he didn’t measure the rigid tip catherter machine from the ear to the chin to see how deep he can actually go without any gag reflex or poking

[@Steve-xt6te]

"Pharynx", not "pharnyx."

[@jared8251]

What a bunch of noobs, I ventilate by squeezing a non-rebreather😎😎😎

[@sgholman]

Why does every single person in these videos and in EMT work pronounce pharynx and larynx wrong? It's so infuriating!

[@WhittierLesley-c6t]

Taylor Laura Hall Maria Moore Susan