Last Updated on: October 16, 2024
Table of Contents
Rescue breaths are required for someone who has suddenly stopped breathing due to any respiratory emergency. These breaths could be given mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose. However, this step in saving somebody’s life can expose the rescuer to certain germs. Therefore, barrier devices are designed to protect non-medical professionals from catching any infectious disease while performing CPR.
These breathing barriers prevent infectious bodily fluids or droplets from passing from the victim to the rescuer without compromising the air that needs to be delivered.
In this article, we will explain why using a breathing barrier is important and how to effectively use these barriers to provide rescue breaths.
Breathing Barriers refer to Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) used by medical professionals to protect themselves from infection while performing rescue breaths for CPR. These PPE tools are relevant in live rescue actions and healthcare training to prevent infection or disease spread.
Barrier devices for CPR include CPR training one-way valves, CPR pocket masks, bag-valve masks (BVM), and resuscitators. Breathing barrier devices help establish a barrier between the patient and the rescuer, minimizing direct contact and the risk of contracting or transmitting infections.
Also Read: Effective Team Dynamics in CPR & BLS
Breathing barriers protect people by blocking harmful substances from entering the lungs during emergencies or medical procedures. They help ensure that both the user and the patient stay safe. Some of the common types of breathing barriers include face shields, pocket masks, and bag-valve masks. Below, we have segregated the types of barriers to help you understand their specific uses and benefits.
Respirators are masks that help people breathe safely, and they filter out harmful particles, like dust or germs. Respirators are important during emergencies or when someone is sick. They protect both the person wearing the mask and others around them by keeping dangerous substances out of their lungs. Some common types of respirators include:
A gas mask protects people by filtering out harmful gasses, chemicals, and particles from the air. Gas masks are used in situations where the air is dangerous to breathe, such as during fires or chemical spills. Gas masks are also available in various types:
An oxygen mask is a type of breathing barrier that provides clean, pure oxygen to people who need help breathing. The mask helps deliver oxygen directly to the lungs, ensuring the person gets the air they need.
The medical oxygen mask, which covers the nose and mouth, is preferably used to deliver oxygen to patients with respiratory issues.
SCBAs are often used by firefighters or in situations where the air is contaminated with harmful particles, such as fires or hazardous environments. They allow people to breathe safely when the surrounding air is harmful.
All these breathing barriers filter air and provide clean air. They also protect individuals from inhaling pollutants and harmful substances. The work of the barrier device depends on its specific purpose.
Cardiac emergencies can occur to anyone, anytime and anywhere, without giving you many chances to save a life. You will be required to make immediate decisions and take fast action when every second counts. However, for many people, performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation can be intimidating.
Even trained professionals can get nervous when considering the risk of disease transmission and may hesitate before performing CPR. Therefore, knowing how to use this device is very important. Here are some reasons why you should use a CPR face shield along with other breathing barrier devices while working as a medical practitioner:
Proper ventilation is an essential criterion for effective CPR performance. It ensures that oxygen flow to the patient’s lungs, brain, and other vital organs is maintained. CPR barriers such as one-way valves help deliver life-saving breaths more accurately and effectively while restricting air and fluid backflow.
This improves the overall effectiveness of CPR and provides better patient outcomes, such as higher survival rates, reduced risk of brain damage, and better recovery.
A CPR barrier device provides an extra layer of protection against infectious disease transmission. While performing mouth-to-mouth CPR resuscitation, there is a risk of exposure to the patient’s bodily fluids, such as saliva, vomit, or blood, which can carry pathogens.
As a medical practitioner, you should use breathing barrier devices such as pocket masks and face shields to diminish the risk of contamination from disease-causing bacteria and viruses.
Using CPR barriers is not a matter of choice in medicine. Rather, it shows that you are prepared as a medical professional. Whether you are a healthcare provider, a first responder, or even a beginner who has just received CPR training, using a barrier device shows that you take all the measures to maintain safety and security.
Read more: Why Is First Aid Important In Our Daily Lives?
Any breathing barrier device protects an individual from respiratory issues, specifically in areas involving the inhalation of harmful substances. These devices can be used in various settings, including emergency, medical, and industrial fields.
Therefore, knowing when and where to use these devices is critical for ensuring one’s own and others’ safety.
Breathing barriers are a must in medical settings to prevent infection during surgical procedures. These devices help prevent the spread of harmful pathogens and protect both healthcare professionals and patients.
Workers in industrial settings are often exposed to hazardous materials, and they need protection against chemicals, dust, and other dangerous substances.
Breathing barriers are essential in emergencies, especially firefighting and rescue operations. They protect responders from toxic fumes and hazardous environments.
Various public health guidelines may suggest the use of masks during airborne disease outbreaks. This helps to reduce overall transmission.
Breathing barriers are important tools that help protect people from harmful substances in the air. Knowing how and when to use them can make a big difference in staying safe in various situations. Here’s how you can use breathing barriers effectively.
Depending on the situation, masks, respirators, and SCBAs can be used. Masks protect individuals from particles such as droplets, but they do not protect them from harmful fumes and gases. Respirators help to protect individuals from fine particulates, fumes, and vapors.
They also act as CPR barrier devices, filtering HEPA (High-efficiency particulate air) that causes heart issues. SCBA is used in situations where breathable air is not present, such as areas with risky chemical environments and fire.
Before starting first aid, make sure the area is safe. Then, check if the victim is responsive by tapping and shouting. If they are unresponsive and not breathing or breathing abnormally, then you need to give CPR.
Next, place the person flat on their back on a firm surface. To open their airway, gently tilt their head back using the chin lift or head tilt method.
Now, hold the shield with the wider end near the chin, then place it over their mouth and nose. If you are using a pocket mask, place it over their face. The narrow end should fit over the nose, and the broader end should cover the mouth and chin.
If you are using a pocket mask, press down around the edges to ensure a tight seal. This makes sure the air you breathe in goes into their lungs, not out the sides.
Take a deep breath and blow into the one-way valve, watching for the chest to rise. If air moves out, adjust the barrier or press more firmly to keep a good seal.
After each breath, watch for the chest to fall before giving the next breath. Make sure the chest rises and falls with each breath.
If the person doesn’t respond, continue with chest compressions following CPR guidelines. Keep the correct ratio of compressions to breaths.
A Breathing barrier used by paramedics, healthcare professionals, or emergency responders ensures the safety of both the rescuer and the victim. Therefore, lay responders or even medical professionals should be aware of the different types and the correct ways of using breathing barriers. As a result, they can provide effective rescue breaths without any health concerns.
Moreover, individuals looking to upgrade their professional career by being equipped with correct CPR and AED techniques or want to start from scratch to help people in need can consider enrolling in a course. With enhanced knowledge and skills, they can save a life during the most critical moments and understand the protocols to ensure their own safety as well.
