Advanced resuscitation is all about taking your life-saving skills to the next level. It goes beyond basic CPR, giving you the know-how and tools to handle more serious emergencies. Whether you’re working in a high-pressure environment, managing emergencies at events, or just want to be super prepared, these skills can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of advanced resuscitation—think oxygen therapy, airway management, suction devices, bag-valve masks, and more. Don’t worry, we’ll keep it straightforward and easy to follow!
By the way: If you’re ready to take your advanced resuscitation skills further, CPR Course Brisbane wants to help you take the perfect next step. We offer HLTAID015 – Provide Advanced Resuscitation and Oxygen Therapy a course designed to give you the confidence and skills to handle more complicated emergency situations. This course goes beyond the basics, teaching you how to use specialized equipment like bag-valve masks, oxygen therapy devices, and more. The goal is to make sure you’re ready to step up in emergencies where regular CPR just isn’t enough.
Meet Jake:
He’s a first aider working on a busy mine site. He always kept a basic first aid kit on hand and had solid skills, which were great for general situations. But Jake knew that in a high-risk industry like his, he needed to step up his game. He wanted to elevate his skills and be prepared for the kinds of emergencies unique to his work environment.
His journey into advanced resuscitation shows just how powerful these next-level skills can be when it comes to saving lives. As we go through this guide, we’ll follow Jake’s experiences to see how each part of advanced resuscitation—like oxygen therapy and airway management—plays out in real-world situations. It’s all about connecting these skills to scenarios where they make a real difference.
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Let's get started with a few quick questions about Advance Resus....
Advanced resuscitation involves specialized skills and equipment to provide higher quality emergency support. It goes beyond basic CPR to include techniques like oxygen therapy, airway management, suction devices, and more
No. CPR is a part of resuscitation and focuses on chest compressions and rescue breaths. Advanced resuscitation includes additional techniques, such as the use of oxygen therapy, airway adjuncts, suction devices, and bag-valve masks.
It is recommended to renew your advanced resuscitation training every 12 months to ensure your skills remain effective and up to date.
The HLTAID015 Provide Advanced Resuscitation and Oxygen Therapy is reccomended to be renewed every 12 months.
Basic resuscitation focuses on CPR and first aid techniques.
Advanced resuscitation involves additional interventions such as:
- Oxygen therapy
- Airway management
- Suction devices
- Use of advanced equipment to stabilize patients in critical conditions.
Mastering advanced resuscitation gives you the confidence to tackle emergencies head-on—whether you’re at work, at home, or out in public. It’s about being ready when it counts the most. Keeping your skills sharp and staying on top of your certifications means you’ll always be prepared to step in and make a life-saving difference.
Now lets go through 4 Key Parts of Advanced Resus
1. Oxygen Therapy

One of the first steps in advanced resuscitation is learning how to administer oxygen.
Oxygen therapy is crucial for anyone struggling to breathe or needing extra support to stay stable. It helps maintain the right levels of oxygen in the blood—essential for keeping organs functioning properly, especially in emergencies.
There are a few key signs to watch for:
- Breathing difficulties like rapid or shallow breaths.
- Bluish skin around the lips or fingernails (called cyanosis).
- Confusion or dizziness, which might mean the brain isn’t getting enough oxygen.
- Shortness of breath or complaints of feeling like they can’t get enough air.
If you notice these symptoms, oxygen therapy might be needed right away.
There are three main types of devices:
- Nasal Cannulas: Small tubes that sit in the nostrils, great for delivering a little extra oxygen.
- Simple Face Masks: Masks that cover the nose and mouth, used for moderate oxygen needs.
- Non-Rebreather Masks: Masks with a reservoir bag, designed to deliver high levels of oxygen quickly in emergencies.
Each device serves a different purpose, depending on how much oxygen the person needs.
How to Keep an Eye on Someone Getting Oxygen Therapy
If someone is using oxygen therapy, it’s really important to keep a close watch on how they’re doing. The goal is to make sure they’re comfortable, getting enough oxygen, and not having any problems with the equipment. Here’s what to look out for and what you can do:
1. Watch How They’re Breathing
Take a good look at their breathing:
- Is it getting easier for them, or are they still struggling to catch their breath?
- Count their breaths—most adults breathe about 12-20 times a minute when relaxed. If they’re breathing really fast or it looks like they’re working hard to breathe, it might be a sign something’s wrong.
2. Check Their Oxygen Levels
If you have a pulse oximeter (those little clips you put on your finger), use it to check their oxygen levels.
- Most people should have oxygen levels between 94-98%.
- If they have a lung condition like COPD, it’s normal for their levels to be a bit lower—around 88-92%.
- If the numbers drop too low, or if you don’t have a pulse oximeter but they seem short of breath, call for medical help.
3. Look at Their Skin Color
Pay attention to how their skin looks. Is it normal for them, or do they look pale or bluish, especially around their lips or fingertips? A bluish tint means they might not be getting enough oxygen and could need extra help.
4. Make Sure They’re Comfortable
- Check the Mask or Tubing Fit: If they’re using a mask, it should cover their nose and mouth snugly but not press so hard that it hurts or leaves marks. For nasal prongs (the ones that go into the nose), make sure they’re sitting properly and not rubbing too much.
- Prevent Dryness: Breathing oxygen can dry out the nose and mouth. If they mention feeling dry, you can use a little non-petroleum moisturizer around the nose or ask a healthcare provider about adding a humidifier to the oxygen.
5. Adjust the Oxygen Flow—If You’re Told To
Different oxygen setups work in different ways:
- Nasal Prongs or Cannula: These are thin tubes with two little prongs that fit into the nostrils. The oxygen flow is usually adjusted on a dial on the oxygen tank or machine. You’ll see numbers like 1, 2, or 3 liters per minute.
- Face Mask: Masks are common if someone needs a higher amount of oxygen. These also have an adjustable flow, often controlled on the machine. Make sure the mask isn’t fogging up or causing discomfort.
- Portable Oxygen Tanks or Concentrators: These are for people on the go and may have simple buttons to set the flow. Always double-check the instructions that come with the equipment or ask for help if you’re not sure.
6. Keep an Eye on Their Overall Comfort
Sometimes the oxygen equipment can make people feel anxious or uncomfortable, especially if they’re not used to it. If they feel claustrophobic with the mask or don’t like the nasal prongs, reassure them and adjust things to help them feel better. A calm, relaxed person often breathes easier!
7. Be Safe Around Oxygen
Oxygen can catch fire easily, so make sure:
- There’s no smoking or open flames nearby (no candles or gas stoves, for example).
- The area is clean, clear, and well-ventilated.
- You avoid using greasy products like petroleum jelly near the oxygen tubing or mask—stick to water-based options.
On the mine site, Jake quickly understood why oxygen therapy was important. When a coworker was exposed to smoke during an equipment fire and was in a bad way, Jake knew how to set up and use a non-rebreather mask to help stabilize his breathing until medical help arrived. Jake’s ability to use oxygen therapy confidently made sure his colleague was supported in those critical moments.
2. Airway Management

Making sure someone’s airway is open is one of the most important steps in an emergency. Without a clear airway, they can’t breathe properly—and that’s where airway management comes in.
Airway management includes techniques to drain fluid and keep airways open like chin lifts and head tilts.
Tools like oropharyngeal airways (OPAs) and nasopharyngeal airways (NPAs) can be lifesavers, especially for people who are unconscious or semi-conscious.
Step 1: Assess for Airway Obstruction
Start by checking if the person’s airway is blocked. Some common causes include:
- The tongue (in unconscious people, it can fall back and block the throat).
- Foreign objects (like food or small items).
- Vomit or blood in the airway.
- Trauma that affects the throat or neck.
Here’s what to look (and listen) for:
- Noisy breathing, like gurgling or a harsh, squeaky sound (called stridor).
- A lack of air movement—you might not feel any air on your cheek when checking their breathing.
- Bluish skin, especially around the lips or face, which can mean they’re not getting enough oxygen.
Step 2: Clear the Airway
If the person is unconscious and their tongue is the problem (which happens a lot), a simple maneuver can help:
- Head-Tilt, Chin-Lift: Gently tilt their head back and lift their chin. This moves the tongue away from the back of the throat, opening the airway.
- Jaw-Thrust Maneuver: If you suspect a spinal injury, skip tilting the head and instead use this maneuver. Place your hands on either side of their jaw and gently push it forward to open the airway while keeping their neck still.
Using basic maneuvers like these can make a huge difference in keeping someone’s airway clear. In the next sections, we’ll dive into tools like OPAs and NPAs for situations where more help is needed.
Choosing the Correct Airway Adjunct
When someone’s airway is blocked, and simple maneuvers like the head-tilt, chin-lift or jaw-thrust aren’t enough, you might need a tool to help. These tools, called airway adjuncts, are designed to keep the airway open so the person can breathe. The two most common types are Oropharyngeal Airways (OPAs) and Nasopharyngeal Airways (NPAs). Which one you use depends on whether the person is conscious and if they have a gag reflex.
Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA)
What is it?
An OPA is a curved, rigid plastic device designed to keep the airway open by preventing the tongue from falling back and blocking the throat. It’s only used for people who are completely unconscious and don’t have a gag reflex (their body won’t react to something touching the back of their throat).
When to use it:
- The person is unconscious and isn’t responding.
- They don’t have a gag reflex (test by gently tapping the back of their throat—if they gag, don’t use an OPA).
- Their tongue is causing the airway blockage.
How to use it:
- Measure the OPA: Hold it next to the person’s face. It should reach from the corner of their mouth to the angle of their jaw. If it’s too small, it won’t work. If it’s too big, it could block the airway or injure the throat.
- Insert the OPA: Open their mouth and place the OPA upside down (the curve facing up). Gently insert it into their mouth and rotate it 180 degrees as you push it in. This movement keeps the tongue out of the way.
- Once in place, the OPA should sit snugly in their mouth, keeping the airway open.
Important notes:
- Never use an OPA on someone who is conscious or semi-conscious—they could gag or vomit, which could make the situation worse.
- Don’t force it in. If it doesn’t go in easily, check your technique or try a different size.
Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA)
What is it?
An NPA is a soft, flexible tube that’s inserted into the nose to keep the airway open. Unlike an OPA, it’s suitable for people who are conscious or semi-conscious because it doesn’t trigger the gag reflex.
When to use it:
- The person is semi-conscious and has a gag reflex, making an OPA unsuitable.
- They have an airway obstruction and need help keeping their airway open.
- They’ve had facial trauma, but their nose is still intact.
How to use it:
- Measure the NPA: Hold it next to the person’s face. It should reach from the tip of their nose to their earlobe.
- Lubricate the NPA: Use a water-based lubricant to make insertion easier and more comfortable.
- Insert the NPA: Gently slide it into one nostril, following the natural curve of the nasal passage. You may feel slight resistance as you pass through the back of the nasal cavity, but don’t force it. If it won’t go in, try the other nostril.
- Once it’s in place, the flared end should rest just outside the nostril.
Important notes:
- Don’t use an NPA if the person has a suspected skull fracture (e.g., after severe head trauma). Inserting it could push the tube into the brain.
- If there’s resistance, don’t force it—try repositioning or using the other nostril.
Monitor Airway Patency
After inserting an airway device, check that it’s working:
- Look for chest rise and fall with each breath.
- Listen for breathing. If you hear gurgling or snoring sounds, the airway might still be partially blocked.
- Watch for any changes in the person’s condition—airway devices can shift or become ineffective if the person’s level of consciousness changes.
Always reassess the airway regularly, especially in emergencies where conditions can change quickly.
What is the difference between an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) and a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA)?
- An OPA is a hard, curved device placed in the mouth. Its main job is to stop the tongue from falling back and blocking the throat. It’s only used for people who are completely unconscious and don’t have a gag reflex because it can trigger gagging or vomiting.
- An NPA, on the other hand, is a soft, flexible tube that’s gently inserted through the nostril. It’s great for people who are semi-conscious or still have a gag reflex because it doesn’t stimulate the throat as much.
Both are used to keep the airway open, but the choice depends on the patient’s level of consciousness and whether they can tolerate the device.
When would you use an OPA vs. an NPA?
- Use an OPA when the person is unconscious and has no gag reflex. This is often the case in severe emergencies like cardiac arrest or deep unconsciousness.
- Use an NPA when the person is semi-conscious, has a gag reflex, or can’t tolerate an OPA. It’s also a good choice if the person has injuries to their mouth or teeth that make using an OPA difficult or risky.
In short, OPAs are for deeply unconscious patients, while NPAs are more versatile for semi-conscious individuals.
What is the proper procedure for inserting an OPA?
- Measure the OPA: Place it next to the person’s face to ensure the correct size. It should reach from the corner of the mouth to the angle of the jaw.
- Insert the OPA:
- Open the person’s mouth and insert the OPA upside down (the curve facing upward).
- Gently push it in and rotate it 180 degrees as it slides into place. This technique helps move the tongue out of the way.
- Once positioned, the OPA should sit snugly, keeping the airway clear.
Always be gentle—forcing it can cause injury to the mouth or throat.
What is the proper procedure for inserting an NPA?
- Measure the NPA: Hold it alongside the person’s face. It should reach from the tip of the nose to the earlobe.
- Lubricate the NPA: Use a water-based lubricant to make insertion smoother and more comfortable.
- Insert the NPA:
- Gently insert the tube into one nostril, following the natural curve of the nasal passage.
- If you feel resistance, try repositioning or switching to the other nostril. Never force it in.
- Once in place, the flared end should rest just outside the nostril.
What are the risks of incorrect airway adjunct use?
Using an airway device incorrectly can cause problems, such as:
- Trauma to the airway: Forcing the device in can injure the mouth, throat, or nasal passages.
- Gagging or vomiting: This can happen if an OPA is used on someone with a gag reflex, potentially leading to choking or aspiration.
- Worsening airway obstruction: Incorrect placement or the wrong size device can make the blockage worse instead of better.
To avoid these risks, always double-check the size of the device, use proper technique, and monitor the person closely after inserting it.
Managing an airway isn’t just about knowing the tools—it’s about making the right decisions in real-life emergencies. Here are three scenarios where Jake’s training made all the difference:
- Heat Exhaustion on the Mine
During a heat exhaustion incident, Jake acted quickly to help an unconscious worker whose airway was at risk. Using his training, he measured and inserted an OPA to keep the airway clear until further help arrived. This experience taught Jake that airway management starts with assessing the situation, choosing the right tool, and using it effectively. - Head Injury with a Semi-Conscious Worker
In another case, a worker with a head injury was still semi-conscious and had a gag reflex. Knowing an OPA wasn’t appropriate, Jake opted for an NPA. He carefully measured the tube, lubricated it, and inserted it into the worker’s nostril, helping them breathe more easily while waiting for medical assistance. Jake’s quick thinking and knowledge of airway devices ensured the worker stayed stable. - Adapting to a Gag Reflex
Airway management doesn’t stop once the device is in place. In one situation, Jake used an OPA for an unconscious person, but as they began to wake up, they started gagging. Staying calm, Jake removed the OPA immediately and switched to manual techniques, like the head-tilt, chin-lift, to keep the airway open. This reinforced an important lesson: airway management is dynamic, and you need to stay alert and ready to adapt.
3. Suction Devices

In emergencies, the airway can quickly become blocked by fluids like blood, vomit, or other secretions—especially in trauma cases or with unconscious patients. For example, a head injury might cause bleeding into the airway, or vomiting could occur during resuscitation. These obstructions can stop air from getting to the lungs, making it impossible for the patient to breathe effectively.
That’s where suction devices come in. These tools act like a vacuum to suck out obstructing fluids, clearing the airway so the patient can breathe again. Suctioning is a critical step in advanced resuscitation, ensuring oxygen can flow and reducing the risk of choking or further complications.
1. Manual Suction Devices
These hand-powered devices are a go-to for situations where electricity isn’t available. Compact and portable, they’re easy to use and perfect for environments like mine sites, sports fields, or outdoor settings.
- How it works: You squeeze a pump or press a handle to create suction, drawing out fluids like blood or vomit from the airway.
- Best for: Remote locations or emergencies where portability and simplicity are key.
Example: Imagine responding to a mine-site accident. A worker has vomited after a fall and is struggling to breathe. A manual suction device clears the airway so resuscitation can continue.
2. Powered Suction Devices
These devices use electricity or batteries to provide strong, continuous suction, making them ideal for quickly removing large amounts of fluid. You’ll commonly find them in ambulances, hospitals, or other advanced care settings.
- How it works: The device generates consistent suction through a tube, making it faster and easier to remove blood, vomit, or other fluids.
- Best for: High-pressure environments like ambulances or ERs, where speed and efficiency are essential.
Example: In a trauma case where a patient has severe facial injuries and blood is pooling in the airway, a powered suction device clears the obstruction in seconds, giving the patient a better chance to breathe.
Suction devices are essential tools in advanced resuscitation, and knowing how to use them can save lives. Whether you’re working with a manual device in the field or a powered device in a hospital,
Suction devices are critical tools for clearing airways, especially when fluids like blood or vomit are blocking the patient’s ability to breathe. Here’s how to use them step by step.
1. Assess the Situation
Before you start, make sure the scene is safe.
- If the patient is unconscious but still breathing, roll them onto their side to let fluids drain out of the mouth naturally.
- If the patient isn’t breathing or is choking on fluids, prepare to use the suction device immediately to clear the airway.
2. Prepare the Suction Device
- Manual devices: Ensure the pump is working properly.
- Powered devices: Check the battery or power connection and turn on the device to test it.
Assemble the suction device according to the instructions, attaching the suction tube (also called a catheter). This is the flexible tube that will be used to remove obstructions.
3. Insert the Suction Tube (Catheter)
The suction tube is the part of the device that goes into the patient’s mouth to remove fluids. Here’s how to use it:
- Gently insert the tube into the patient’s mouth. Aim to move along the inside of the cheek rather than straight down the throat.
- Avoid pushing it too deep—your goal is to clear visible obstructions like blood, vomit, or mucus, not to reach deep into the airway. Going too far can trigger gagging or other complications.
4. Apply Suction
- For manual devices: Squeeze the pump steadily to create suction.
- For powered devices: Turn on the suction and adjust the settings as needed.
As you apply suction, use a gentle sweeping motion with the tube. This helps clear fluids while slowly withdrawing the tube from the mouth. Take your time and focus on removing as much as possible without being rough.
5. Monitor the Patient
- Check the patient’s breathing after suctioning. Look for chest rise and listen for clear breathing sounds.
- If the airway isn’t fully clear, repeat the process, but keep suctioning to 10-15 seconds at a time. Over-suctioning can deprive the patient of oxygen, so let them breathe in between attempts.
6. Clean the Device
After you’re done, clean the suction device thoroughly following the manufacturer’s instructions. This prevents infections and ensures the device is ready for use in future emergencies.
By following these steps, you can use a suction device confidently to clear airway obstructions and help your patient breathe again. With practice and care, you’ll be ready to act quickly and effectively in any emergency.
Jake learned that using a suction device might not be the most glamorous part of resuscitation, but it is one of the most critical. On the mine site, a worker who had fallen and suffered a head injury began to vomit while unconscious. Jake used a manual suction device to clear the airway and keep the worker breathing, ensuring that further complications didn’t arise while they waited for emergency services. It was a challenging situation, but having the skills to act quickly made all the difference.
What are suction devices used for in advanced resuscitation?
Suction devices are used to remove fluids like vomit, blood, or mucus from a patient’s airway. These obstructions can block airflow, so suctioning helps the patient breathe or ensures that ventilation is effective during resuscitation.
What types of suction devices are available?
There are two main types:
- Manual suction devices: Hand-powered and portable, ideal for remote or field settings like mine sites or outdoor events.
- Powered suction devices: Use electricity or batteries for stronger, continuous suction. These are commonly used in hospitals or ambulances for faster and more efficient clearing of obstructions.
When should suction be used on a patient?
Suction should be used whenever fluids like vomit, blood, or mucus are visibly blocking the airway and stopping the patient from breathing properly. It’s also vital when there’s a risk of the patient inhaling these fluids into their lungs (aspiration).
What’s the correct way to use a suction device?
- Insert the suction tube (catheter) along the inside of the cheek, avoiding deep insertion to prevent gagging.
- Apply suction: For manual devices, pump steadily; for powered devices, turn it on and guide the tube using a sweeping motion to clear obstructions.
- Limit suctioning to 10-15 seconds at a time to prevent oxygen deprivation. Repeat if necessary, always monitoring the patient.
4. Bag Valve Masks

When someone is not breathing or their breathing is too shallow, they need help to get oxygen into their lungs. In basic CPR, you might provide breaths by sealing your mouth over theirs and blowing air directly into their lungs. A bag-valve mask (BVM) does the same job but in a more hygienic, efficient, and effective way.
With a BVM, you use a mask to cover the patient’s nose and mouth, then squeeze the attached bag to push air (or oxygen) into their lungs. This avoids direct mouth-to-mouth contact and delivers more controlled, consistent ventilation. BVMs are widely used in advanced resuscitation because they can provide more oxygen-rich air than basic CPR breaths, especially when connected to an oxygen supply.
Why Use a BVM Instead of Basic CPR Breaths?
- More Effective Ventilation: BVMs allow you to deliver larger, more consistent breaths compared to mouth-to-mouth.
- Oxygen Supply: When connected to an oxygen tank, a BVM delivers oxygen-rich air, which is crucial in emergencies like cardiac arrest or severe respiratory distress.
- Hygienic and Safer: Using a BVM avoids direct contact with the patient’s mouth, reducing the risk of transmitting infections.
- Easier for Rescuers: Squeezing a bag is less physically demanding than blowing into the patient’s mouth repeatedly during prolonged resuscitation efforts. (Most people don’t give CPR Good enough so this matters)
When to Use a Bag-Valve Mask
A BVM is used when a patient is:
- Not breathing at all (apnea): For example, in cardiac arrest or after drowning.
- Breathing inadequately: Breaths may be too slow, shallow, or irregular to provide enough oxygen.
- Unconscious: They cannot maintain their own airway or breathe effectively on their own.
How Does a Bag-Valve Mask Work?
A BVM has three main parts that work together to deliver effective breaths:
- Self-inflating bag: The flexible bag fills with air (or oxygen if connected to a supply) after each squeeze, ready to deliver the next breath.
- One-way valve: This ensures that only fresh air or oxygen enters the patient’s lungs, preventing exhaled air from contaminating the next breath.
- Face mask: The mask covers the patient’s nose and mouth, forming a seal that allows the air from the bag to flow into the lungs.
When the bag is squeezed, it forces air into the patient’s lungs. Releasing the bag allows it to refill automatically, ready for the next squeeze.
Key Techniques for Effective BVM Use
Creating a Proper Seal
A tight seal between the mask and the patient’s face is essential to ensure air reaches the lungs and doesn’t leak out.
- Use the “C-E” hand technique:
- Form a “C” shape with your thumb and index finger to press the edges of the mask securely against the face.
- Use the other fingers to lift the patient’s jaw upward, forming an “E” shape.
This technique helps maintain an open airway and ensures effective ventilation.
Using an Airway Adjunct
To prevent the tongue from blocking the airway and improve the effectiveness of BVM ventilation, use an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) or nasopharyngeal airway (NPA). These tools keep the airway open and direct air from the bag into the lungs.
- Use an OPA for unconscious patients without a gag reflex.
- Use an NPA for semi-conscious patients or those with a gag reflex.
Two-Person Technique
While a BVM can be used by one rescuer, it’s much easier and more effective with two people:
- One rescuer holds the mask securely over the patient’s face using both hands to ensure a tight seal and maintain the airway.
- The second rescuer squeezes the bag to deliver breaths.
This teamwork ensures consistent ventilation and better control of the mask fit.
Best Practices for Using a BVM
- Ventilation Rate: For adults, give one breath every 5-6 seconds (about 10-12 breaths per minute). For children, the rate may vary depending on their age.
- Observe Chest Rise: Watch the chest rise and fall with each squeeze of the bag. This shows that air is reaching the lungs effectively.
- Avoid Over-Ventilation: Squeezing the bag too quickly or forcefully can push air into the stomach instead of the lungs, increasing the risk of vomiting and aspiration.
Challenges with BVM Ventilation
BVMs are highly effective but can be tricky to use without training and practice:
- Achieving a Proper Seal: Air leaks from an improper seal can reduce the effectiveness of ventilation.
- Gastric Inflation: Over-ventilating (squeezing too hard or too fast) can cause air to enter the stomach instead of the lungs, leading to complications.
- Mask Fit: Masks come in different sizes. Ensuring the mask fits snugly to the patient’s face is critical for effective use, especially with children or smaller adults.
Jake’s BVM in Action
During a shift on the mine site, Jake responded to an urgent call about a worker who had collapsed near a drilling area. When Jake arrived, the worker was unconscious, unresponsive, and not breathing—a clear sign of cardiac arrest. Staying calm, Jake immediately initiated CPR while a coworker retrieved the first aid kit, which included a bag-valve mask (BVM) and an automated external defibrillator (AED). Once the BVM was ready, Jake paused briefly to secure the mask over the worker’s face, using the “C-E” hand technique to create a tight seal. He began squeezing the bag every 5-6 seconds, delivering life-saving breaths while continuing chest compressions between ventilations.
A second rescuer soon arrived, allowing them to switch to the two-person technique. Jake focused on maintaining the airway and holding the mask firmly while the other rescuer delivered breaths using the BVM. After a few cycles, they used the AED to deliver a shock and continued alternating CPR with BVM ventilation. Thanks to Jake’s quick actions and proper use of the BVM, the worker’s airway remained open, and oxygen-rich air reached their lungs, giving them a fighting chance until paramedics arrived to provide advanced care. The incident reinforced how critical proper BVM use is in cardiac arrest scenarios, especially in remote locations like a mine site.
Bag-Valve Mask (BVM) FAQ
What is a bag-valve mask (BVM) used for?
A BVM is used to manually provide ventilation to patients who are not breathing adequately or are completely unresponsive. It helps deliver air or oxygen directly to the lungs, which is critical in emergencies such as respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, or severe trauma.
How do you create a proper seal when using a BVM?
Creating a proper seal is essential for effective ventilation. Use the “C-E” hand technique:
- Form a “C” shape with your thumb and index finger to press the mask tightly against the patient’s face.
- Use your remaining fingers to form an “E” shape under the jaw, gently lifting it upward to keep the airway open.
This technique ensures air flows into the lungs instead of leaking out.
What are the benefits of using a two-person technique for BVM?
The two-person technique improves ventilation by dividing tasks:
- First rescuer: Holds the mask with both hands, ensuring a secure and tight seal over the patient’s face.
- Second rescuer: Focuses on squeezing the bag to deliver consistent breaths.
This teamwork ensures more effective ventilation, especially in challenging situations where maintaining a seal is difficult.
What are common challenges when using a BVM?
Using a BVM can be tricky, especially without practice. Common challenges include:
- Maintaining a good seal: Air may leak if the mask doesn’t fit securely against the face.
- Overinflation: Squeezing the bag too forcefully can push air into the stomach (gastric inflation) or damage the lungs.
- Incorrect ventilation rate or volume: Delivering breaths too quickly or with too much air can reduce the effectiveness of resuscitation and cause complications.
These challenges highlight the importance of training and practice in mastering BVM use.
Why Advanced Resuscitation Training is Essential
Advanced resuscitation goes beyond basic first aid—it’s about equipping yourself with the skills, confidence, and readiness to step up when lives are on the line. Emergencies like cardiac arrest or severe breathing difficulties demand more than good intentions; they require practiced, instinctive responses that can only come from thorough training.
This article has highlighted the critical components of advanced resuscitation:
- Oxygen therapy to support breathing.
- Airway management using tools like OPAs and NPAs to keep the airway clear.
- Suction devices to remove blockages caused by fluids.
- Bag-valve masks (BVMs) for effective manual ventilation.
Each of these tools plays a vital role in saving lives, and mastering their use ensures you’re prepared to act when seconds count. From creating a proper seal with a BVM to managing the airway of an uncons
More Than Skills: Building Confidence and Calm Under Pressure
As discussed, training isn’t just about learning techniques—it’s about practicing until your responses become second nature. (As mentioned in this great article) Confidence comes from repetition and muscle memory, so when you face a high-stress situation, your actions are instinctive, precise, and effective. This training doesn’t just prepare you to use the tools; it conditions you to stay composed under pressure, ensuring you can lead and reassure those around you during an emergency.
Advanced resuscitation isn’t just for professionals. Whether you’re working in a high-risk environment, managing safety at events, or simply want to be ready for life’s unexpected moments, these skills empower you to make a genuine difference. They transform you from someone who wants to help into someone who knows how to help—and that’s a powerful shift.
The Next Step: Enroll in Advanced Resuscitation Training
Taking an advanced resuscitation course is your opportunity to take action. At CPR Course Brisbane, you’ll receive expert-led, hands-on training that brings these life-saving skills to life. You’ll learn:
- How to confidently manage airways and deliver oxygen therapy.
- The proper techniques for using suction devices and BVMs.
- How to adapt and respond to different scenarios, from cardiac arrest to trauma.
This course isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s about building the skills and confidence to respond without hesitation. Whether you’re in a high-risk workplace or just want to protect your loved ones, this training prepares you to handle critical moments with calm and capability.
Be the Difference in Someone’s Emergency
Emergencies don’t wait for the perfect moment—but with the right training, you’ll always be ready. Advanced resuscitation skills give you the tools to stabilize a patient, save lives, and inspire confidence in others during high-pressure situations.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to prepare. Join the advanced resuscitation course at CPR Course Brisbane and take the next step toward becoming a true lifesaver. We would love you to sign up for HLTAID015 Provide Advanced Resuscitation and Oxygen Therapy—because every second counts, and your skills could make all the difference.
Hi there! I'm Jack Majlinger. I began my first aid journey back in 2012, with my first "first aid" course. It was after a hiking accident where a friend had to be airlifted. Over the years, my first aid skills grew, I volunteered at equestrian events and local shows and became a first aid trainer.
When I'm not working on content, I enjoy spotting birds in the wild and writing jangle pop tunes.