What volume of air should be delivered during BVM ventilations?

During bag-valve-mask (BVM) ventilation, the appropriate volume of air to deliver is generally around 700 mL, particularly for adult patients. This volume is crucial because it effectively delivers enough oxygen to the lungs without overinflating them, which could lead to complications such as barotrauma or gastric inflation.

When performing emergency ventilations, it’s important to ensure that the breaths delivered are adequate to produce visible chest rise. A volume of approximately 700 mL strikes a balance between providing ample oxygenation and minimizing the risk of injury to the patient’s lungs.

In practice, caregivers should also adjust the volume based on the size of the patient and their specific needs while being mindful that correct technique and maintaining an airtight seal are equally vital for successful BVM ventilations.