A handheld resuscitation bag is an inflatable device that can be attached to a face mask or directly to an endotracheal (ET) or tracheostomy tube, allowing manual delivery of oxygen or room air to the lungs of a patient who can’t breathe by himself. Typically used in emergencies, manual ventilation also can be performed while the patient is temporarily disconnected from a mechanical ventilator, such as during a tubing change, during transport, or before suctioning. In such instances, use of the handheld resuscitation bag maintains ventilation.

During cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), however, using a handheld resuscitation bag to administer rescue breaths is less important than providing high-quality chest compressions. Lone rescuers should begin chest compressions first. After 30 compressions, the rescuer should then administer two breaths. When a second person arrives, a handheld resuscitation bag can be used to administer two breaths after every 30 compressions.