Pocket mask

A pocket mask, pocket face mask, or CPR mask is a device used to safely deliver rescue breaths during a cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest. The specific term "Pocket Mask" is the trademarked name for the product manufactured by Laerdal Medical AS. It is not to be confused with a bag valve mask.

Purpose

A pocket mask is a small portable device used in the pre-hospital setting to provide adequate ventilation to a patient who is either in respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. The pocket mask is designed to be placed over the face of the patient, thus creating a seal enclosing both the mouth and nose. Air is then administered to the patient by an emergency responder. The emergency responder exhales through a one-way filter valve, providing adequate ventilation to the patient. The emergency responder is capable of delivering up to 16% oxygen with his/her breath.
Modern pocket masks have either a built-in one-way valve or an attachable, disposable filter to protect the emergency responder from the patient's potentially infectious bodily substances, such as vomit or blood.
Many masks also have a built-in oxygen intake tube, allowing for the administration of 50-60% oxygen. Without being hooked up to an external line, exhaled air from the provider can still provide sufficient oxygen to live, up to 16%. Earth's atmosphere consists of approximately 21% oxygen.

Usage

While a pocket mask is not as efficient as a bag valve mask, it does have its advantages when only one rescuer is available.As suggested by its name, the pocket mask benefits from a somewhat easier portability when compared to the bag valve mask. Also, in contrast to the bag valve mask, which requires two hands to operate, the pocket mask allows for both of the rescuer's hands to be on the patients head. This hand placement provides a superior seal on the patient's face, and allows the responder to perform a jaw thrust on patients who may have a spinal injury.