Videos in clinical medicine. Positive-pressure ventilation with a face mask and a bag-valve device.

N Engl J Med 2007;357:e4. Copyright © 2007 Massachusetts Medical Society. Indications Providing positive-pressure ventilation with a face mask and a bag-valve device can be a lifesaving maneuver. Although seemingly simple, the technique requires an understanding of the airway anatomy, the equipment, and the indications. Face-mask ventilation is used in patients who have respiratory failure but are still breathing spontaneously and in patients with complete apnea.1 Face-mask ventilation can be indicated in any situation in which spontaneous breathing is failing or has ceased, including cardiopulmonary arrest.