EO technique provides better mask seal than the EC clamp technique during single handed mask holding by novices in anaesthetised and paralysed patients.

Background And Aims: Bag mask ventilation (BMV) allows for oxygenation and ventilation of patients until a definitive airway is secured and when definitive airway is difficult/impossible. This study hypothesised that the EO (thumb and index finger form a O shape around the mask) technique of mask holding provides better mask seal with the novices compared to the classic EC clamp technique (thumb and index finger form a C shape around the mask).

Methods: Sixty patients participated in this double blinded, prospective, crossover study.