Surely, few people know what an Ambu bag is. After all, this unit is not intended for home use.
General information
An Ambu bag is a medical device that is used for mechanical ventilation. Such a device is used for those patients whose breathing is impaired. This unit owes its name to the first manufacturing company (Ambu). By the way, it was created in 1956 by engineer Hesse and Professor Ruben specifically to prevent the polio epidemic. However, it is worth noting that today the presented device is often referred to as follows: "bag of manual pulmonary resuscitation", "bag of resuscitation breathing" or "manual breathing apparatus."
Where is it used?
As mentioned above, the Ambu bag is not intended for home use. After all, such an apparatus is included in the standard set of reanimobiles, and is also used in intensive care units and anesthesiology. It should be noted that it is often used during the operation, before connecting an electrical ventilation device.
Main types
The Ambu bag has many varieties. In addition, the bag of such an apparatus can be filled with air from the environment, and from a connected oxygen cylinder. Quite often, the procedures performed using 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.
Currently, manufacturers produce different types of medical devices that differ not only in appearance, but also in what material they are made of. For example, an Ambu reusable bag can withstand up to 20 autoclaving cycles, as it is made of silicone. As for disposable devices, they are most often made of PVC.
Ambu bag: how to use?
All doctors and nurses are required to be able to use this device. However, an ordinary person can master the
technique of conducting artificial ventilation of the lungs . For this, the patient's head is thrown back, the mask of the device is taken with the index finger and thumb of the left hand, and then applied to the patient's face and pressed, supporting the
lower jaw. Then with your right hand you need to squeeze the harmonica or bag, thereby making a deep, full breath. Exhalation should be passive. In this case, normal airway (upper) patency is ensured by extension of the patient’s neck or by introducing the duct into the mouth (possibly into the nose).
In the event that artificial respiration should be carried out during anesthesia, then it is done using a special anesthetic apparatus manually or with an automatic respirator. To do this, you need to take the mask with your left hand and press it to the victim's face, holding the lower jaw. With your right hand, squeeze the breathing bag rhythmically. In this case, the pressure on the bag should be carried out smoothly, quickly and gently. After reaching the normal rise of the patient's chest, the hand must be lowered and a passive exhalation is made.