When delivering breaths with a pocket mask, which action helps ensure a proper seal?

• A. Head tilt-chin lift; use hands to seal the mask; breathe into the tube
• B. Place the mask loosely and ventilate around it
• C. Remove the mask and ventilate directly through the mouth
• D. Simply hold the mask without sealing

Answer: (A)

Creating a tight, airtight seal around the pocket mask is the key to effective ventilation. Opening the airway with a head tilt-chin lift helps air flow into the lungs, while pressing the mask firmly against the face with your hands forms the seal so the breaths go into the lungs instead of leaking around the edges. Then you breathe into the tube, giving breaths and watching for the chest to rise, which confirms the air is entering the lungs. If the mask is loose or you ventilate around it, or you remove the mask and ventilate through the mouth, or simply hold the mask without sealing, much of the air escapes and effective ventilation is lost. This combination—airway opening plus a secure seal and breaths delivered through the mask—produces the best chance of successful ventilation.