How is oxygen delivered to a patient in respiratory arrest?

In cases of respiratory arrest, delivering oxygen to a patient is critical to ensure that they receive adequate ventilation and oxygenation. Bag-mask ventilation is the preferred method because it effectively provides positive pressure ventilation. By using a bag-valve mask, an EMT can deliver a higher concentration of oxygen directly into the patient’s lungs, which is essential when they are not breathing on their own. This method allows for controlled ventilation and can deliver a sufficient volume of air to help restore normal breathing until advanced medical help arrives or the patient begins to breathe independently.

This method is far superior to options like using an oxygen mask exclusively, which would not offer the necessary positive pressure to ventilate a non-breathing patient effectively. Nasal cannulas provide very limited oxygen delivery and are not appropriate in instances of respiratory arrest, where the patient requires immediate and effective ventilation. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is also outdated and less effective than using modern resuscitation equipment, which can deliver oxygen more reliably and without the risks associated with direct mouth contact.