CPR involves mouth-to-mouth contact, which can put both the caregiver and the patient at risk of exposure to body fluids.

This is where personal protective equipment (PPE) comes in, and one of the most important PPE items is a resuscitation mask.

What is a Pocket Mask?

A pocket mask, otherwise known as a resuscitation mask, is a device that works by creating an airtight seal over the casualty's mouth and nose.

Some of them feature a one-way valve that allows air to flow into the casualty's lungs while keeping you physically separated from their air, spit, blood, vomit, or other fluids. Other simply have a dome shape and a tube for delivering the rescue breaths.

All resuscitation masks help to prevent the transmission of bacteria, viruses, and diseases during the procedure.

There are a number of different types of resuscitation masks available. There are CPR pocket masks for children, infants, and adults, available from a range of suppliers. These masks are specifically designed to fit the different sizes of patients, ensuring that the caregiver can deliver effective CPR with an airtight seal.

Resuscitation masks are clear to provide an unobstructed view of the patient's colour, which immediately indicates the effectiveness of the respiratory support.

Any blockages in the patient's airway, such as vomit, mucus, or foreign objects, can be easily identified.

The soft cuff of the mask conforms to the contours of the patient's face, ensuring a comfortable and airtight seal.

Most pocket masks come with an integrated oxygen intake tube, which allows for the delivery of oxygen.

Inhaled air contains around 21% oxygen, while exhaled air contains approximately 16%. Even without being connected to an external oxygen source, the rescuer's exhaled air contains enough oxygen to keep the casualty alive.

How to Use a Pocket Mask By Yourself

Most resuscitation masks will be equipped with a strap to place around the casualty's head, keeping the mask in place. This is particularly useful when performing CPR alone and providing both breaths and chest compressions.

It is, however, recommended to use a two-person approach whenever possible as this minimizes the pause between compressions and rescue breaths.

1. Remove mask from packaging, and pop the mask out so that it is a dome shape.
2. Using great care, place the strap around the casualty’s head, if it is safe to do so.
3. Place the lowest edge of the mask between the chin and lower lip, with the pointed side of the mask up and over the nose.
4. Use your hands to press the edges of the mask down firmly on the casualty’s face to create a seal.
5. Use a head tilt or jaw thrust to ensure the airways are open.
6. Provide 2 rescue breaths by breathing into the tube, watching for the chest to rise and fall before delivering the second breath.
7. Leave mask in place while continuing compressions.
8. Readjust mask if necessary before providing further rescue breaths, ensuring no time is wasted in the process.
9. Repeat this process as required, giving rescue breaths through the one-way valve.
10. Blow only enough air to make the chest rise and then remove your mouth from the valve, allowing the patient to exhale the ventilated air.
11. If you observe any fluids in the airway or hear gurgling sounds, roll the patient onto their side and adjust/remove the mask to allow any fluids to drain fully.

How to Use a Pocket Mask with Two Rescuers

This technique is designed for use in two-person CPR, where one person is administering compressions while the other is providing the rescue breaths.

1. Both rescuers could be positioned on either side of the casualty; or one could be positioned behind the casualty's head, with the other by their chest.
2. Remove mask from packaging, and pop the mask out so that it is a dome shape.
3. You may choose to use the strap or not.
4. Place the lowest edge of the mask between the chin and lower lip, with the pointed side of the mask up and over the nose.
5. Use your hands to press the edges of the mask down firmly on the casualty’s face to create a seal.
6. Use a head tilt or jaw thrust technique to ensure the airways are open.
7. Provide 2 rescue breaths by breathing into the tube, watching for the chest to rise and fall before delivering the second breath.
8. While holding the mask in place, count the compressions the second person is performing out loud for them, stopping at 30 to deliver the 2 rescue breaths.
9. Repeat this process as required, giving rescue breaths through the one-way valve.
10. Blow only enough air to make the chest rise and then remove your mouth from the valve, allowing the patient to exhale the ventilated air.
11. If you observe any fluids in the airway or hear gurgling sounds, roll the casualty onto their side and adjust/remove the mask to allow any fluids to drain fully.

How to Use a Pocket Mask on a Child or Baby

Child and infant sized resuscitation masks are available, however you are unlikely to find one in a standard first aid kit.

Such devices are usually found in locations like child care centres, but if you have children at home it is a good idea to purchase the appropriate size for your home kit.

Using a child or infant sized mask follows the same procedure as using an adult sized mask on an adult.

If you cannot access a child sized mask, you can use an adult mask so long as you can create an effective seal:

1. Both rescuers could be positioned on either side of the casualty; or one could be positioned behind the casualty's head, with the other by their chest.
2. Remove mask from packaging, and pop the mask out so that it is a dome shape.
3. You may choose to use the strap or not.
4. Place the lowest edge of the mask between the chin and lower lip, with the pointed side of the mask up and over the nose.
5. Use your hands to press the edges of the mask down firmly on the casualty’s face to create a seal.
6. Use a head tilt or jaw thrust technique to ensure the airways are open.
7. Provide 2 rescue breaths by breathing into the tube, watching for the chest to rise and fall before delivering the second breath.
8. While holding the mask in place, count the compressions the second person is performing out loud for them, stopping at 30 to deliver the 2 rescue breaths.
9. Repeat this process as required, giving rescue breaths through the one-way valve.
10. Blow only enough air to make the chest rise and then remove your mouth from the valve, allowing the patient to exhale the ventilated air.
11. If you observe any fluids in the airway or hear gurgling sounds, roll the casualty onto their side and adjust/remove the mask to allow any fluids to drain fully.

Conclusion

Pocket masks are an essential tool for first aiders and first responders in the resuscitation of patients who have stopped breathing or are breathing insufficiently.

Proper use of a pocket mask can help prevent the spread of potential pathogens during mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, and can greatly improve the hygiene of the resuscitation process.