Evaluation of the Elder Demand Valve Resuscitator for use by First Aid Personnel.

Pearson JW, Redding JS Anesthesiology 1967 Vol 28 Pages 623-624 OF HISTORICAL INTEREST

The authors begin by noting that mechanical resuscitators have often been too complicated to be consistently reliable in the hands of first aid personnel. A tight mask fit is difficult to achieve and a diversity of control knobs gives rise to confusion and ineffective resuscitation. The Elder Demand Valve appears to overcome most of these objections. A maximum flow rate of 150 lpm can be delivered. This is claimed to be enough flow to ventilate in spite of major mask leaks. Flow ceases when a pressure of about 54 centimeters of water is attained, even if the button is still depressed. 10 full-time personnel of the ambulance service at Baltimore County Fire Bureau were evaluated, comparing values for mouth-to-mouth, bag-valve-mask and Elder Valve ventilation. The values using mouth-to-mouth did not differ significantly from those obtained with the Elder Valve. The same values with the bag-valve-mask were significantly less (P<0.05) than those obtained by the other two methods. The authors conclude that the advantages of the Elder Valve over previously available equipment include simplicity, delivery of 100% oxygen, ability to use two hands to maintain a mask fit, high flow rate allowing adequate ventilation in spite of mask leaks, and avoidance of personal contact with the victim. Disadvantages are the lack of ready availability and dependence on compressed oxygen as a power source.