oxygen bag masks

What is my basic oxygen/airway decision roadmap?

Is the patient breathing adequately? → YES: oxygen device based on need (NC, NRB, or CPAP). NO: assist ventilations with BVM. If unconscious without protective airway reflexes and indicated → consider i-gel per protocol.

When do I use a Nasal Cannula (NC), and what is the flow rate?

Use for a patient who is breathing adequately and needs a lower amount of supplemental oxygen or cannot tolerate a mask. Flow rate: 1–6 L/min. Think: mild oxygen need + patient breathing on their own.

When do I use a Nonrebreather Mask (NRB), and what is the flow rate?

Use for a spontaneously breathing patient who needs high-concentration oxygen, such as significant hypoxia or respiratory distress but still has adequate breathing. Flow rate: 10–15 L/min. Inflate the reservoir bag before placing it on the patient.

When do I use a BVM, and what is the flow rate?

Use when breathing is inadequate or absent. Examples: respiratory arrest, very slow/shallow respirations, severe altered mental status with poor breathing, or cardiac arrest. Flow rate on our skill sheet: 15–25 L/min. Ventilate only enough to produce visible chest rise.

What is the big difference between an NRB and a BVM?

NRB = patient is breathing adequately ON THEIR OWN and you are giving oxygen. BVM = patient is NOT breathing adequately, so you are providing/assisting ventilation. Think: NRB gives oxygen; BVM gives breaths.

When do I use CPAP, and what is the flow rate?

Use for an awake, spontaneously breathing patient in significant respiratory distress who needs positive airway pressure, commonly severe pulmonary edema/CHF or certain respiratory emergencies per protocol. Flow rate on our skill sheet: 10–25 L/min. Patient must still be breathing on their own.

When should I NOT think CPAP first?

Do not use CPAP on a patient who is apneic or cannot breathe adequately on their own. Also be cautious/avoid according to protocol with inability to protect the airway, vomiting, severe altered mental status, or significant hypotension. If breathing is inadequate → think BVM instead.

What is an i-gel?

The i-gel is a supraglottic advanced airway placed into the throat to help maintain an airway in an unconscious patient who cannot protect their airway. It does NOT breathe for the patient by itself; after placement, attach a BVM and ventilate through it.

When would I consider an i-gel?

Think unconscious patient with no protective gag reflex who requires airway management/ventilation, especially during cardiac arrest, when allowed by protocol. After placement: confirm ventilation/chest rise, secure it, attach BVM with oxygen, and continue reassessment.

What are the oxygen flow rates I need to memorize for the skills test?

NC = 1–6 L/min. NRB = 10–15 L/min. BVM = 15–25 L/min. CPAP = 10–25 L/min. Memorize: NC low flow → NRB high-flow oxygen → BVM inadequate breathing → CPAP breathing patient needing positive pressure.