Two-handed bag mask ventilation techniques

There are two ways to perform the two-handed technique. In the traditional method (picture A), both thumbs and index fingers hold pressure along the inferior and superior ridges of the mask. The other three fingers on each hand hold the mandible, in a fashion similar to the one-handed mask hold, and perform a simultaneous chin-lift and jaw-thrust maneuver. This position may not be comfortable to maintain for long periods of time. We recommend another method that uses the stronger thenar eminences to hold the mask in place (picture B). The thenar eminences are positioned parallel to each other along the long axis of each side of the mask, allowing the four remaining fingers to provide chin-lift and jaw-thrust maneuvers.