What is the proper ventilation technique when using a bag-mask device for a 16-year-old in cardiac arrest?

The correct technique for delivering breaths using a bag-mask device during cardiac arrest in a 16-year-old is to deliver 1 breath every 6 seconds during pauses in chest compressions. This method aligns with current guidelines for high-quality CPR, which emphasize that continuous chest compressions are crucial for maintaining blood circulation.

During cardiac arrest, the priority is to ensure adequate blood flow, which is achieved through effective chest compressions. However, ventilations are also important, particularly in providing oxygen to the patient. By administering one breath every 6 seconds, you're allowing enough time to maintain chest compressions — ideally at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute — while also delivering the necessary breaths to support oxygenation. This timing ensures that the breaths do not interfere with the compressions and that the patient's oxygenation is adequately supported during the critical situation.

The technique allows for the ventilation to be delivered in a way that complements the lifesaving compressions, making sure the patient receives both oxygen and blood flow during the resuscitation effort.