What is the Ambu bag and how do I use it?

For sure, very few people know what a bag Ambu. After all, this unit is not designed for home use.

General information

Ambu bag is a medical device that is used for artificial ventilation of lungs. Such a device is used for those patients who have breathing disorders. Its name is due to the first manufacturer-manufacturer (Ambu). By the way, he was created in 1956 by engineer Hesse and Professor Ruben specifically to prevent the epidemic of poliomyelitis. However, it is worth noting that today the device is often referred to as the "manual pulmonary resuscitation bag", "respiratory resuscitation bag" or "manual respiratory device".

Where is it used?

As mentioned above, the Ambu bag is not intended for home use. After all, such a device is included in the standard set of reanimobiles, and also used in intensive care units and anesthesiology. It should be noted that they are often used during the operation, before connecting the electrical device for artificial ventilation.

Basic views

The Ambu bag has many varieties. In addition, the bag of such a device can be filled with air from the environment, and from the connected cylinder with oxygen. Quite often, the procedures performed with this device are compared with artificial respiration, the so-called "mouth-to-mouth". However, compared with it, this method is more simple, hygienic and effective.

At present, manufacturers produce different types of such medical devices, which differ not only in appearance, but also in the material from which they are made. For example, the Ambu bag reusable withstands up to 20 cycles of autoclaving, since it is made of silicone. As for disposable devices, they are often made of PVC.

Ambu bag: how to use?

All doctors and nurses are required to use this device. However, an ordinary person can master the technique of carrying out artificial ventilation of the lungs. To do this, the patient tilts his head, takes the mask of the device with the index finger and thumb of the left hand, and then applies to the patient's face and presses, supporting the lower jaw. Next, the right hand must squeeze the accordion or bag, thereby making a deep full breath. Exhalation must be passive. In this case, the normal patency of the airways (upper) is provided by stretching the patient's neck or inserting the airway into the mouth (can be in the nose).

In the event that artificial respiration should be carried out during anesthesia, then it is done with the help of a special anesthesia device by hand or an automatic respirator. For this, the left hand needs to take a mask and press it to the victim's face, holding the lower jaw. The right hand should rhythmically compress the breathing bag. In this case, the pressure on the bag should be smooth, fast and gentle. After reaching a normal rise of the chest of the patient, the hand must be lowered and a passive exhalation should be made.