As someone who performs field resucitation regularly, I've got issues with pocket masks offshore. They are:
> Establishing / maintaining an effective seal. Try it in the dry sometime in ideal conditions on a suitable mankin; most mask brands require two full hand grips to seal effectively, whilst maintaining proper head tilt, whilst delivering an appropriate volume of air to the patient - no small feat in ideal conditions.
> Mask contamination
> Patient propulsion. If you're a lone rescuer, you'll be forced to tow the patient by their jawline / head to make way while attempting to breathe for them. If you have help, you'll be a hinderence to speed due to the necessary body position for delivering breaths.
> Inability to conduct REALISTIC practice. This problem extends for all forms of in-water rescue breathing, making it difficult to impossible to evaluate the efficacy of a given technique, or for the develoment of rescuer skill competency.
In most instances I believe it to be in the patient's best interest for the rescuer to make all speed for the nearest hard, flat, & dry surface to conduct effective BLS. There are exceptions of course, for instance: a witnessed drowning where the patient is recovered to surface quickly. Chances are the patient's heart is still functioning & respirations might be restored quickly with immediate ventillations. There are no doubt other examples. Perhaps it would be best to educate rescuers to the realities, then train them to use common sense judgement on a case-by-case basis. But I digress. Keep the pocket mask w/ oxygen port in the 1st aid kit & provide your patient about 40% O2, or better yet, get certified in the use of a bag valve & give them close to 100% O2!
Regards,
DSD
I agree. The idea of giving rescue breaths in the water is great in theory in a pool or calm waters, it is not realistic in an ocean or rough enviornment and it wastes precious time getting the victum to where they can be treated properly.