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How is an Ambu Bag used to resuscitate?

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Ambu bag is used during an emergency to help a patient breathe which is a squeezable bag that has a face mask. Before its
invention, rescue breathing attempts were often futile. Artifical breathing efforts such as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, caused
more problems than they solved. With the invent of the ambu bag, rescue breathing emergency services have improved both
in rural and urban areas.
Content
Who designed the Ambu bag?
What are the Features of Ambu Bag?
How is Ambu Bag used?
How are Ambu Bags used in Chest compressions?

Who designed the Ambu bag?

Dr. Holger Hesse , a Danish engineer in collaboration with Professor Henning Ruben, an anesthesiologist invented ambu bag
in 1953. Their main aim was to increase the survival rate of the patients in medical emergencies. The term "ambu" has been
derived from the word "ambulance", and and the reference to "bagging" was coined by rescue workers. Hesse and Ruben
named the company "Ambu," and it is still in operation.

What are the Features of Ambu Bag?

An ambu bag is used by nurses or respiratory therapists. It forces air inside the lungs similar to mouth to mouth resuscitation.
Ambu bags are available in different sizes for adults, children and infants. Every patient requires different tidal volume of air
depending upon his or her age. An ambu bag consists of one way valve, bag and adapter. The bag could be attached directly
to an endotracheal tube or to a mask with the help of the adapter provided. The one way valve in the device allows the flow of
oxygen to the patient and also prevents backward flow of exhaled air. Te latest version of ambu bags come with a reservoir
which helps in enhancing the oxygen flow rate entering the patient.

How is Ambu Bag used?

An Ambu bag is basically divided into three parts. The oft air chamber is called as bag and it resembles the size of a football.
This bag is connected to a face mask and a valve is placed in between the two. The mask is held tightly over both mouth and
nose of the patient who is being resuscitated to make sure that the air enters the lungs and does not leak out from the mask.
Two paramedics are requiresd to handle an ambu bag efficiently. One person holds the mask tightly whereas the other
performs the task of squeezing the bag. Squeezing allows the oxygen to get inside the lungs of the patient. When the bag is
released, it inflates by drawing oxygen from the surrounding or from the oxygen cylinder attached to it.

How are Ambu Bags used in Chest compressions?

Ambu bags are often used in association with chest compressions. It has been found highly successful in providing oxygen to
the brain as compared to the CPR. Thats the reason why experts are now recommending ambu bags to be included in all the
first aid kits.
External Many schools have started keeping ambu bags as part of the emergency aid kit.
References
livestrong.com: Ambu Bag
ehow.co.uk: Ambu Bag Description
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