BVM
Medical abbreviation · Emergency Medicine
| Stands for | Bag-valve-mask |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
BVM stands for Bag-valve-mask, an emergency medicine abbreviation.
Handheld device with a self-inflating bag, one-way valve and face mask used to give positive-pressure breaths to patients who are not breathing or breathing inadequately. It is a core skill for EMS, nurses and physicians.
Example: Apneic: BVM ventilation with OPA, 2-person technique, SpO2 rising.
Usage notes
Often called an Ambu bag, after the Danish company that introduced the self-inflating bag in 1956. Two-person technique gives a better mask seal. Excessive rate or volume can cause stomach inflation and reduce blood return to the heart during CPR.
Related abbreviations
More emergency medicine abbreviations
- AND – Allow natural death
- ATLS – Advanced Trauma Life Support
- BIBA – Brought in by ambulance
- BIBEMS – Brought in by emergency medical services
- BLS – Basic life support
- BSI – Body substance isolation
- CAB – Compressions, airway, breathing
- CCT – Critical care transport
- CMO – Comfort measures only
- CPR – Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- CPSS – Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale
- CTAS – Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale
See all 97 emergency medicine abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.