A ventilation bag (Ruben bag), also known as a manual resuscitation bag or self-inflation bag, is a device used to manually ventilate patients who cannot breathe on their own. Here is a description of how an Ambu bag works:
Structure: A ventilation bag consists of a squeezable bag, a connection for an oxygen source, a valve system and a face mask or endotracheal tube. The bag is often made of a flexible but robust material.
Manual operation: The rescuer squeezes the bag to channel air (or oxygen) into the patient’s lungs. When the bag is released, it refills with air or the connected oxygen.
Valve system: The valve system ensures that the air flows in one direction – from the bag into the patient’s lungs and not back. It also prevents exhaled air from getting back into the bag.
Connection to the patient: The ventilation bag is connected to the patient either via a face mask, which fits over the patient’s mouth and nose, or via an endotracheal tube, which is inserted into the trachea.
Controlled ventilation: The caregiver can control the frequency and volume of ventilation by squeezing the bag at an appropriate rhythm and adjusting the amount of pressure applied.
Oxygen supply: Many ventilation bags allow the connection of an oxygen source to increase the oxygen content of the supplied air, which is particularly important in emergency situations.
Ventilation bags are an essential part of emergency equipment in hospitals, ambulances and for first responders. They enable effective and life-saving ventilation in situations where patients cannot breathe on their own.