Ambu Bag
AMBU bag is a manual respirator and also called a bag valve mask (BVM), that is used to provide respiratory support to patients. Its main parts include a mouthpiece, an auto-inflating bag, and a valve to control airflow. Its name ‘Ambu’ stands for ‘Artificial manual breathing unit’, and it was initially used as a brand name when invented by Tesla Laboratory.
What is an Ambu Bag used for?
The intended use of Ambu Bag is resuscitation in emergency situations like cardiac arrest. This is also useful in the situation where patients are not able to breathe on their own efforts due to temporary or long-term respiratory issues. It is also used in maintaining the airway in case of severe asthma attacks or allergic reactions.
How to do CPR?
Advantages of Using an Ambu Bag
The advantages of using Ambu bags are numerous in the field of medical first responders. The primary benefit of this tool is that it is portable and very easy to use. These features make it suitable for different situations, like in hospitals, ambulances, and emergency care units. The Ambu bags are useful for primary support for the patients having respiratory issues.
How To Use an Ambu Bag on a Trach
Follow the following steps to effectively use this device in case of any emergency;
- Quickly assemble the already disinfected part of the Ambu bag
- Properly attach the tracheostomy tube using the appropriate adapter.
- Set the required flow rate of the supply and pressure
- Squeeze the bag to deliver breaths
- Keep an eye on the vitals of the patient.
The proper infection procedure is a vital component of this procedure and is the duty of health care professionals.
How much tidal volume is in an Ambu Bag?
The BVM air capacity should be higher than the normal tidal volume of the patient. While using a BVM, proper ventilation to ensure chest rise and fall is important. Too much ventilation is not recommended as it may cause gastric distension.1 breath in every 6 seconds OR 10 breaths in a minute is recommended ventilation rate by American Heart Association.
However, local protocols may vary from region to region, and it is important to follow the guidelines provided by your healthcare facility.
Another important factor is that every BVM model’s volume and capacity differ. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with the specific characteristics of the BVM you are using.
Is an ambu bag CPR?
No, an Ambu bag is not CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), but it is a device commonly used during CPR procedures of unconscious patients. It is also known as a manual resuscitator or BVM, a handheld device used to provide artificial ventilation to a person who is not breathing or is experiencing respiratory distress.
Hi, I am John Smit a Captain in Fire Department City of Newyork with over years of experience in the field of Firefighting and HSE. My passion for fire safety started when I was a young boy and witnessed a neighbor’s house go up in flames along with precious lives. Since then, I had dedicated my life to ensuring the safety of buildings, properties, and individuals in case of a fire and medical emergencies.
