One common concern in first aid is the fear of infection or contact with bodily fluids like vomit or saliva when performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. To protect yourself and increase your confidence when delivering CPR breaths, you can use a CPR face mask. These face masks provide a barrier between your mouth and the patient’s, reducing the risk of infection and making you feel more at ease. In cases of facial trauma or if you’re not comfortable giving mouth-to-mouth, you can focus on chest compressions instead. We’ll cover that in other articles. Now, let’s explore the different types of CPR face masks available.
A popular option is a small pouch that can be attached to a keyring or first aid kit. When opened, you’ll find the face mask inside. This particular mask has instructions on the outside and features an elastic band that hooks behind the ears, making it easy to secure onto someone’s face during CPR.
Another common type is a standard plastic sheet with a filter paper on the front. This filter paper is what you’ll blow through when administering CPR. These masks completely cover the face, and you can still pinch the patient’s nose through the plastic. During chest compressions, simply leave the mask in place.
There are also masks with a one-way plastic valve that only allows air to pass through in one direction. These masks are often slightly larger and can be found in keyring dispensers or standard BSI first aid kits. This type of mask is slightly more advanced due to its superior valve system.
Other variations include masks that fit around the patient’s lips or inside their mouth, providing a barrier while you administer breaths. Lastly, there’s the pocket mask, which completely covers the mouth and nose, and we’ll discuss in a separate article.
In this post, we’ve looked at the different types of CPR face masks that can protect you from infection while delivering life-saving breaths. First Aid Show is brought to you by ProTrainings Europe Ltd, offering 350 different course titles as classroom, virtual, hybrid, blended, and video online training. With a network of over 1,500 instructors, we provide a one-stop-shop for training and equipment.
For more information on first aid training or equipment, call 01206 805359 or email support@protrainings.uk. Visit www.protrainings.uk for training and www.first-aid-online.co.uk for equipment.
#CPR #firstaid #protection #medical
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