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How To Bag

For the Lone Operator: The CE Technique

An instructional graphic illustrating the one-person CE technique for bag-mask ventilation, emphasizing proper mask placement on a simulated face.

The Essentials

The C–E technique (or “EC-clamp”) for face mask ventilation is a one-handed method that seals the mask and displaces the mandible anteriorly to open the airway. The thumb and index finger form a “C” on the mask (compressing the cushion to maintain an airtight seal), while the middle, ring, and little fingers form an “E” by hooking along the mandible (ideally near the angle/ramus) and lifting the jaw upward toward the mask. This “E” component functions as a jaw-thrust/jaw-lift to counter soft-tissue collapse and improve patency while the “C” maintains the seal for effective positive-pressure breaths.

A QUICK TAKE:

Watch PAC’s own Emilio Del Busto, EMT-P, demonstrate the basic CE Technique.

An illustration depicting the first step of a procedure focusing on hands and fingers, showing a person holding a mask over another person's face and lifting their face into the mask.
Illustration showing Step 2: Jaw Control for resuscitation, highlighting actions to lift the jaw forward, grab under the angle of the mandible, and tilt the head back. Includes arrows pointing to each action.
An illustration showing the steps to properly handle a mask and gas canister. The image highlights the importance of sealing the mask correctly with instructions pointing to specific areas of potential leaks and sensations during use.

🎧 Deep Cuts

We like to showcase other great educators to help you build your learning network by curating online resources. Here is one of them: an excellent segment by Dr. Lahiru Amaratunge from his YouTube channel, “The ABCs of Anesthesia”.

Title: “The Beginners Guide to Bag Mask Ventilation | Essential tips and tricks to ventilate your patient” Start: 3:08 – End: 4:20 – Total Length: 1:12.

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Illustration showing the two-person technique for mask ventilation in a medical context, emphasizing teamwork for optimizing patient oxygenation. Text highlights the roles of thumbs and palms in sealing the mask and other fingers for jaw-thrust, head-tilt, and chin-lift maneuvers.

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