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Face shields are a simple, effective and inexpensive means of protection against coming into contact with vomits, blood or other substances when providing rescue breaths. It's important to remember, if you don't have a face shield with you, or cannot bring yourself to give rescue breaths, you can just do chest compressions only. Although the packaging and exact design may vary, there are two main types. Those with a filter paper that you blow through, and others may have a one-way valve. With both, you can still squeeze the nose and they are simple to use and will stop you from coming to contact with any substances. Both of these types of face shields are available with a pouch and a keyring, so you can always have it to hand. All BSI first-aid kits, come with some form of face shield. Pocket masks are another type of face shield and they are very effective as they seal around the face and you blow through the one-way valve and the air goes into the mouth and the nose to ventilate the patient. They usually come in a plastic case which contains the mask itself. To remove it from the case, you need to push the mask so it pops up. There is an elastic that you can place around the back of the patient's head to hold it in place and the airfield sack around the mask helps to seal it very well against the patient's face. They have a one-way valve and a cap, which can be used for oxygen if available. Finally, face shields are single-use only and they should be disposed of safely after use.
Face Shields and Pocket Masks: Protection During First Aid
Face shields offer a simple, effective, and affordable means of protection against coming into contact with vomit, blood, or other substances when providing rescue breaths. If you don't have a face shield or cannot give rescue breaths, you can perform chest compressions only.
Types of Face Shields
While packaging and design may vary, there are two main types of face shields:
- Filter paper: These face shields have filter paper to blow through.
- One-way valve: These face shields feature a one-way valve for exhalation.
Both types allow you to squeeze the nose and provide a barrier against substances. Face shields are available with a pouch and keyring, so they're always at hand. All BSI first-aid kits include some form of face shield.
Pocket Masks
Pocket masks are another type of face shield. They seal around the face and feature a one-way valve for ventilation. Air enters the patient's mouth and nose during rescue breaths.
Typically, pocket masks come in a plastic case. To remove the mask, push it until it pops up. An elastic band can be placed around the patient's head to secure the mask, and an air-filled sack around the mask ensures a proper seal. Pocket masks can also be used with oxygen if available.
Disposing of Face Shields
Face shields are single-use only and should be disposed of safely after use.