What is the main purpose of using a bag-valve-mask (BVM) during EEI?

• A. To provide manual ventilation and oxygenation during airway management and prior to definitive airway securement
• B. To measure airway pressures
• C. To deliver inhaled anesthesia
• D. To replace the endotracheal tube if displaced

Answer: (A)

Bag-valve-mask is used during emergency airway management to provide manual positive-pressure ventilation and deliver oxygen to the lungs while you are securing a definitive airway. The key job is to keep the patient well-oxygenated and ventilated during preoxygenation and during laryngoscopy and intubation attempts, so desaturation is minimized if ventilation becomes temporarily difficult. It’s not primarily a tool for measuring airway pressures, nor is it meant to deliver inhaled anesthesia in this setting, and while it can temporarily support ventilation if the tube is displaced, it does not replace the endotracheal tube as a long-term solution. The main idea is to maintain oxygenation and ventilation during the process of airway control.