In medical emergencies, every second matters. The Ambu bag, also known as a bag valve mask (BVM), is a critical lifesaving device that provides immediate breathing support to patients who cannot breathe independently. Used in ambulances, hospitals, and emergency rooms, the Ambu bag offers vital airway management, ensuring proper ventilation by delivering controlled air to the lungs. The benefits of Ambu bag include its ability to stabilize oxygen levels quickly, making it an essential tool for resuscitation efforts. Trusted by healthcare professionals worldwide, the Ambu bag helps prevent further complications, improving patient outcomes during critical situations.
What are ambu bags?
An Ambu bag is a small, hand-held, squeezable device used to push air into a patient's lungs. It consists of three main parts: a soft rubber or plastic bag, a face mask, and a set of valves. If a person's breathing becomes weak or stops entirely, a doctor or trained professional squeezes the device, forcing oxygen through the mask and into the lungs, effectively giving the patient a breath. The term "Ambu" originates from a company that manufactures these devices. Over time, the name became synonymous with this lifesaving tool, and today, it is universally recognized as a key part of emergency care.
Types of an Ambu bag
Infant Ambu Bag
Designed for newborns, these are smaller and deliver a sufficient amount of air to tiny lungs. It comes with correctly sized masks and a pressure control to prevent over-inflation.
Pediatric Ambu Bag
This bag is a pediatric version comprising more space in the bag and mask, but still protects small airways. They are commonly used in children's hospitals and ambulances.
Adult Ambu Bag
These bags are the largest of their kind and are found in nearly every medical setting. They deliver a strong, life-saving breath to adults of all sizes. Additionally, there are both disposable and reusable versions available, each serving a specific purpose based on hygiene needs and frequency of use. Disposable bags are ideal for single-use scenarios, while reusable ones can be sanitized and used multiple times.
How does an Ambu bag work?
- Preparation: The bag is attached to a face mask or an oxygen supply.
- Placement: The mask is gently put over the patient’s mouth and nose, which forms a seal.
- Squeezing: The rescuer squeezes the bag. This action pushes oxygen through the mask and down into the patient’s lungs.
- Release: When the bag is released, it refills with air inside it on its own. After refilling, it’s ready for the next squeeze.
This cycle is repeated to match the patient’s normal breathing rate. Specific models come with extra features, such as a one-way valve (which prevents germs or fluids from flowing back) or an oxygen reservoir that increases oxygen supply into the lungs.
When are Ambu bags used?
When Someone Isn’t Breathing (Resuscitation)
In sudden situations like cardiac arrest or drowning, the bag is used to pump air into the person’s lungs and keep oxygen moving through their body until the patient can breathe on their own or advanced help arrives.
Helping During Medical Procedures (Intubation and Transport)
When doctors need to place a breathing tube in a patient who isn’t able to breathe well by themselves, the bag mask offers support until a ventilator is available.
Short-Term Breathing Help
If a patient only needs a little help, maybe during surgeries or while moving hospital departments, tools like the Erba Biochemistry analyzer can monitor important biochemical markers. With this, patients receive both respiratory and diagnostic support in clinical settings.
Helping Wean Off Machines
For patients coming off a ventilator, a bag valve mask can be used to check how well the patient can breathe independently.
Coping with Sudden Breathing Trouble
Any time someone’s breathing becomes hard, as in severe asthma, the Ambu bag stabilises them quickly.
Before Getting to the Hospital
Paramedics rely on the bags to support breathing on their way to the emergency room.
Special Care for Newborns
In delivery rooms and NICUs, the valve breathing bags help newborns take their first breaths or handle unexpected breathing challenges.
Medical Training
Learning how to use a valve mask is part of all emergency medical training, so students can safely practice the life-saving skill.
How to use an Ambu bag?
Check Parts
Make sure the device has pieces like a bag, a mask, and valves present in it. Additionally, ensure all parts are clean and ready.
Connect
Attach the bag to the mask or the oxygen source.
Seal
Place the mask snugly on the patient’s face (nose and mouth) to avoid air leaks.
Breathe for the Patient
Squeeze the bag gently while keeping an eye on the chest to rise as the lungs fill. Release and let the bag refill.
Monitor
Continue until the patient breathes on their own or when advanced equipment arrives. Always watch for chest movement; over-squeezing can hurt the lungs.
Benefits of using an Ambu bag
Works Right Away
No setup or electricity required—just grab, squeeze, and help someone breathe again. This instant readiness means the bag can save lives during life-threatening situations.
Easy to Carry
These devices are small and light, making them easy to transport anywhere, even to rural clinics. Their handy size ensures doctors have a valve mask on hand, even during patient transport.
No Surgery to Breathe
They offer breathing support without placing a tube in the windpipe. Patients get important oxygen ventilation while avoiding discomfort and procedural risks.
Budget-Friendly
Compared to breathing machines, Ambu valve masks are simple and affordable. Hospitals and clinics can stay well-prepared on a modest budget, providing emergency care everywhere.
One Size Fits All
With options for infants, children, and adults, there’s an Ambu or valve bag for everyone. Specialized masks and bag capacities ensure the safest and most effective care.
Fits Any Setting
Whether in a busy city hospital, medical supply store, or clinic, these bags are readily available whenever needed. They are used for routine procedures, disaster response, and flexible support in all healthcare situations.
FAQs
What is the purpose of an Ambu bag?
An Ambu bag, also called a bag-valve mask, is a device used to help people breathe independently. By manually squeezing the bag, the rescuer delivers air or oxygen into the patient’s lungs. This device is used as temporary breathing support.
When is using a Bag-Valve mask not effective?
An Ambu bag may not work well if the patient has severe injuries or deformities. It is effective if the airway is blocked or if the staff cannot create enough pressure to move air in the lungs. In such cases, advanced procedures may need to be executed.
Is an Ambu bag (Bag-Valve mask) mandatory during CPR?
An Ambu bag is very useful but not mandatory for CPR. If a valve bag is not available, mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths are suitable. For untrained individuals, hands-only CPR (chest compressions) is recommended until professional assistance arrives.
Are there specific infection control measures to be taken while using an Ambu bag (Bag-Valve mask)?
Yes, proper infection control is important. Clean or disinfect the Ambu bag and mask thoroughly after every use with recommended hospital sterilization methods. Disposable bags should be used only for one patient before discarding. Always wear gloves and, if possible, a face mask to protect the patient from infection.