Who should receive resuscitation masks?

Resuscitation masks are designed to provide a barrier for rescue breathing and help deliver air effectively during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Breathing patients, who may need assistance, as well as nonbreathing patients, who are in cardiac arrest, should be given resuscitation masks. The mask allows the rescuer to ventilate the patient while providing a seal to minimize the risk of contagion and ensure that the air delivered is directed into the lungs.

In cases where the patient is breathing but may require assistance due to inadequate ventilation, the mask is also beneficial. It is crucial to use the mask for any patient, regardless of their responsiveness, when they are either not breathing or require supplemental air due to respiratory distress. This makes resuscitation masks an essential tool for both categories—breathing and nonbreathing patients—during emergency situations.