During the two-person bag-valve mask procedure, what does the second EMT do while one ventilates the patient?

In a two-person bag-valve mask (BVM) procedure, the second EMT plays a crucial supportive role while the primary EMT provides ventilations. The correct action for the second EMT is to maintain the mask seal and monitor chest rise. This role is vital for several reasons.

Firstly, maintaining a proper seal on the mask ensures that air is efficiently delivered into the patient’s lungs without significant leakage, which can lead to ineffective ventilations. A good seal allows for optimal ventilation, improving the oxygenation of the patient.

Secondly, monitoring chest rise is an important indicator of whether air is successfully being delivered to the lungs. Observing for adequate rise and fall of the chest confirms that the ventilations are effective and can help the second EMT identify any potential issues, such as an obstruction or improper positioning of the airway.

While other actions may seem relevant, they do not fit the specific responsibilities during the BVM procedure. Suctioning and performing CPR are separate interventions and are not concurrent responsibilities during two-person BVM ventilation. Administering mouth-to-mask ventilation would not be performed since one EMT is already using the bag-valve mask, and inserting airways is typically done during the initial setup rather than while ventilating.