What is the preferred method of airway management during resuscitation if no advanced airway is available?

During resuscitation when an advanced airway is not available, bag-mask ventilation is the preferred method of airway management. This technique effectively delivers oxygen to the patient’s lungs using a self-expanding bag connected to a face mask. It is a foundational skill in resuscitation, enabling healthcare providers to maintain oxygenation until further advanced airway management is possible or the patient can breathe on their own.

Bag-mask ventilation can be performed with one or two rescuers, making it adaptable based on the scenario and available manpower. This method also allows for a reliable means of providing positive pressure ventilation, which is essential in life-threatening emergencies where the patient is unable to breathe adequately.

Other options, although useful in certain contexts, do not serve as an effective alternative under the same circumstances. For instance, endotracheal intubation is an advanced procedure that requires specific training and equipment, which may not be available in every resuscitation scenario. Oropharyngeal airway insertion is important for maintaining patency in an unresponsive patient, but it does not provide ventilation on its own. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is beneficial for treating specific respiratory conditions but is less practical in the immediate context of resuscitation where quick and effective ventilation is necessary.