CPR Faceshields?

Question

What is the difference between plain, flat CPR faceshields (http://rescuebreather.com/rescuebreathercomcgi/zstore/RBCstore.pl?user_action=detail&catalogno=RB-101);the "Microshield", a faceshield that thas a tubelike filter that is placed in the victim's mouth (http://www.cprmicroshield.com/microshield.html); and the other, shorter masks created by MDI?

What is the benefit to using one of the MDI Faceshields as opposed to using a flat faceshield? Which option is the better for Adult, Child, AND Infant CPR

I meant faceshield as in FACESHIELD (the flat plastic sheet with a little pad filter), not a MASK.

Answer 1

Your links don't work by the way...

There are several different types of CPR faceshields.

Microshields have a sheet of plastic type material, and a tube to go in the victim's mouth. These are best for carrying around in a first aid kit/survival kit because they work well and are small.

Faceshields- commonly in a container labeled "pocket mask" are triangularish masks that have an air filled "cushion" as a base, achieving a better seal around the person's mouth. These also usually have an Oxygen input.
Generally, these are carried on ambulances and are found on pool decks, etc (anywhere where oxygen tanks are available).

Both general types are excellent for preventing disease transmission as they have a one way valve.
Microshields are directly on the victim's face, so if your victim was to vomit, you must recognize it immediately so they do not asphyxiate on it. This also may lead to a clogged filter which must be cleaned out before proceeding.
These are NOT reusable.

Face shields have a bubble created around the victims' mouth and nose, with an elevated tube for the rescuer to administer breaths. This tube still has a one way filter so that anything that comes from the victim/rescuer stays with the person it came with.
The bonus to the bubble is that the filter likely won't become clogged when your vicitm vomits. Also, the vomit will have a faster exit from the victim, allowing a better chance that they will not be choking on their own vomit.
Though the tube with one way valve is not reusable, the faceshield itself can be disinfected and reused. The valve/tube is detachable.
Again, because of the oxygen input, if a tank is available you can increase the amount of oxygen your victim gets by a substantial amount (16% oxygen from your exhalation to about 50% or more).

Adult and Child can use either type as the tube insertion (the part that sticks into the victims mouth) on the microshield can be accomodated by their mouth.
Infants have smaller mouths, and a microshield will probably just end up choking them, so a raised faceshield (pocket mask) would be better.


***faceshield IS a pocket mask.

***Microshield is what you'd get in a CPR course to "take home"

***Faceshields are used on the mannequins.

Answer 2

The disposable, one-time use breathing barriers are all about the same in actual use. The good ones feature a small valve that only allows air to go in and helps protect the rescuer from disease and vomiting.

The two you show both offer the valve. The tube feature in the Microshield is a nice touch, but does not really change the effectiveness of the mask much.

What is the best option? Whichever one is cheap enough and portable enough that there is a chance you'll have it nearby.

Murphy's Law for CPR states that if you need to do CPR, there won't be a mask within a mile of you. You can help defeat this by having several masks around AND by being psychologically ready to do CPR without a mask.

Which is better for adult, child and infant? I would not actually bother with a mask for an infant in real life, and any approved mask will work about equally well for children and adults.



Just FYI- many local Red Cross chapters sell a nice cheap keychain mask that you can get when you sign up for a good CPR class!

Answer 3

-There are several different C.P.R masks. If the one you are talking about is the one you recieved in a C.P.R training course, then those are specifically used for mannequins because they have a low resistance filter that fits over the mannequins' face.
-There is an oval shaped plastic latex free face shield that has a one way valve shield centered in the middle (a circular black object) these are fairly cheip about $4.00.
-A one way valve helps prevent anything that may work its's way up the victims mouth to work it's way to yours.
-There is also a microshield C.P.R face shield in a pouch, but is disposable and meant to be used only once. It is square like with an oval plastic that stands up, where you place in victims mouth, provides a physical barrier for mouth to mouth resuscitation.
-There is also another one like the one before, it's plastic and square with the oval mouth piece standing up, except this one has a one way valve.
-I believe anyone of the listed above can be used on adult, children, and infants, the one that looks like a screen is best used for them, and can be used on all ages. The mannequin is used only for the mannequin.

Answer 4

Just an observation,if you buy one of the pocket masks or carry one we always used to put in a pair of responders gloves.

Answer 5

maybe it depends upon the situation