Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

What is the primary benefit of using a two-person technique with a BVM?

1. It allows for faster compressions

2. It provides a better seal and ventilation volume

3. It requires less training

4. It minimizes the amount of equipment needed

The correct answer is: It provides a better seal and ventilation volume

The primary benefit of utilizing a two-person technique with a bag-valve-mask (BVM) is that it provides a better seal and ventilation volume. When one person manages the airway by positioning the mask securely on the patient's face, the second person can perform effective bag compressions. This teamwork allows for optimized ventilation by ensuring that the mask fits properly on the patient's face, which is critical in preventing air from escaping and maximizing the amount of air delivered to the lungs during each squeeze of the bag. A better seal enhances the effectiveness of positive-pressure ventilation and increases the likelihood of delivering an adequate volume of oxygen to the patient. In contrast, while factors like faster compressions or decreased training needs are important aspects of BLS, they do not specifically relate to the primary advantages of the two-person BVM technique. Additionally, minimizing equipment is less relevant, since the BVM itself is still required whether one or two rescuers are present. Hence, focusing on the improved seal and ventilation capabilities makes the two-person technique particularly beneficial in emergency situations.