Safety issue with self-inflating resuscitation bag

The ANZCA Safety and Quality Committee has been informed of an airway equipment problem. During an emergency situation involving the use of a self-inflating resuscitation bag-valve-mask unit, the mask could not be readily detached, which prevented connection to the laryngeal mask/endotracheal tube.

ANZCA is liaising with the manufacturer and will provide an update if further information becomes available. 

In the interim, it is recommended that self-inflating resuscitation bags be checked to ensure the mask can be readily separated from the bag to enable use with a laryngeal mask or an endotracheal tube.

Last updated 12:28 24.06.2021