The rate of ventilation is too fast or too slow. Techniques used for artificial ventilation should also assure adequate isolation of the rescuer from the patient s body fluids, including saliva, blood and vomit. The pocket facemask is made of a soft, collapsible material and can be carried in your pocket, jacket or purse. Facemasks have implemented infection control features. Most pocket masks have one-way valves that allow your ventilation to enter but prevent the patient s exhaled air from coming back through the valve and into contact with you.
Some pocket masks have oxygen inlets.
Most pocket facemasks are made of clear plastic. This is important because you must be able to observe the patient s mouth and nose of vomiting or secretions that need to be suctioned. You also need to observe the color of the lips, an indicator of the respiratory status of the patient. Some pocket facemasks may have a strap that goes around the patient s head. This is helpful during one-rescuer CPR, since it will hold the mask on the patient s face while you are performing chest compressions.