I thought I would post this here for Ted also to help get some useful input from the rest of you.

QUOTE:
Hi, My wife and I purchased an AED (automated external defibrillator). We took the online training course and have a question concerning the method of giving artificial respiration. A folded face mask with a one-way valve was supplied with the AED. It is small and can be attached to a keychain. We live alone and want the best survival rate possible. Assuming that only one person will be giving the CPR, I want the easiest way to deliver air. I know I can buy a shaped mask made of soft plastic. With either masks the rescuer still has to stop compressions and change their body position to deliver air. I know this is Very physically demanding. Would it be better to use a “Bag Valve Mask” and squeeze the bag to deliver O2? There is another possibility. Should I use a system that uses an oxygen bottle with a face mask? Do I stick with the shaped mask? Maybe I need way more training to do more than use my breath to supply air. I don't much care about cost. The AED cost $1,500. My wife's life is priceless. Thanks, Ted

Ted, you seem to know the options that you have and some of it will be personal preference because there is not a lot of difference with the effort that it will take on your part.

I do think that since you already have an AED that it might be nice to have a Bag valve mask, but it will not make a lot of difference if you were doing single person cpr. You still need to stop CPR if it is single rescuer, and re-position the head and then give the respirations.

That will be the same with the mask that you have now or with the rubber air cushioned ones you can buy. The difference with the pocket masks is that you will get a better seal with the ones with the soft rubber as opposed to the cheaper folding paper masks.

Having O2 can be good for the pt. but you might have trouble getting it just so you can have it on hand for a situation like this. You might need a Medical Doctors prescription to obtain that for personal use (not sure...).

The last part about hooking the O2 up to the mask, I was not quite sure what you meant. Were you interested in having it automatically do the ventilations for you?
The only thing that having O2 will do is to supply a higher concentration of oxygen to the pt. It will not make the process of doing the CPR and stopping to alternate between respirations and compressions any easier.

I hope someone else can add on to this or please correct me if I have misspoken.

Good Luck and let us know if we can help you out further.

Ed

well admin you said it all. but here is my 2 cents. a bag valve mask will be too cumbersome in the time of need and will only hinder your efforts since you cant hold the mask in place. so stick with the shield. the O2 is not necessary since it will take up time that you could be doing compressions. i take it you are in a rural area and are worried that you wont get an ambulance fast. just keep in mind your CPR and dont forget that after your first 2 mins call 911 since we do have more stuff available.

good luck...
CJ