Emergency Resuscitation & Protection From Bloodborne Pathogens

by Gerald M. Dworkin
September 15, 1999

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The following quotation from an OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) summary helps to clarify OSHA’s position on which employees should have protective devices for doing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. The key phrase is “reasonably be expected to resuscitate” which could mean any employee trained in CPR, not just those with the specific job description.

Bloodborne Pathogens (29CFR 1910.1030)
IX. Summary and Explanation of the Standard

“Based upon the information provided in the comments, OSHA has concluded that minimization of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is prudent practice and that the most effective means to do so is to require ventilation devices be provided for resuscitation. Consequently, these devices have been retained under the requirements for provision of personal protective equipment. In addition, as required by paragraph (d)(3)(iii) of this standard, these devices are to be readily accessible to employees who can reasonably be expected to resuscitate a patient.”

We have always advocated the availability and use of Personal Resuscitation Masks (PRMs) or Personal Resuscitation Shields (PRSs) by First Responder Personnel, as well as the general public, during the administration of emergency resuscitation procedures to cardiac arrest and/or respiratory arrest patients. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has now addressed this issue as it pertains to the protection of rescuer personnel during emergency resuscitation procedures.

After careful evaluation of all available Personal Resuscitation Masks and Personal Resuscitation Shields, Lifesaving Resources has selected the devices manufactured by Rondex Products as the most effective and affordable barrier devices available.

The Personal Resuscitation Mask features a double-flapper duck valve with low air resistance. Unlike other paper-filtered valves which increase air resistance when used in wet or humid environments, the Rondex valve is not effected by water or humidity. The Rondex PRM also features a flat-topped permanently inflated cuff, which provides greater ease to the rescuer in maintaining a patent seal over the patient’s mouth and nose. And, the collapsible cone and valve does not require assembly prior to use, unlike other devices available on the market. The PRM is contained within a rigid plastic case and is available with or without an oxygen inlet.

The Iso-Shield features the same valve as the PRM, and is designed so that anyone with basic CPR skills can administered emergency resuscitation care using a standard head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver while using this PRS. The barrier shield has much more substance than any other shield in its class, providing greater protection to the rescuer. The PRS, along with a pair of gloves, is contained within a nylon pouch which can be worn on the belt, or used as a key ring.

For more information on the Rondex Personal Resuscitation Mask (PRM) or Personal Resuscitation Shield (Iso-Shield), please refer to the Emergency Resuscitation section of our OnLine Catalog.

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