Bag-valve-mask ventilation; two rescuers are better than one: preliminary report.

This study suggests that the bag-valve-mask (BVM) used by a single rescuer with minimal training fails to deliver adequate tidal volumes for resuscitation. When two rescuers use the BVM, tidal volumes are more than recommended and are comparable to those seen with endotracheal intubation. Two-person BVM ventilation should be considered for initial resuscitation in cardiopulmonary arrest.