Number Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Research Articles

A Safe Approach to Respiratory Resuscitation

To the Editor.— The number of human immunodeficiency virus—positive men and women is steadily increasing. The Surgeon General has recommended using appropriate precautions on every patient. Therefore, gloves are now worn not only for withdrawal of blood and insertion of intravenous catheters but also for endotracheal intubation and routine care of newborns. Goggles have been issued to emergency department, surgical, obstetric, and anesthesia personnel. Yet, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is still taught in cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses. As a concerned physician, I strongly believe that mouth-to-mouth resuscitation should be abandoned, except for family members, in favor of a mechanical device. A mask-valve-bag setup is most effective and, although its proper use is difficult to learn, should be taught to all health professionals. However, mask-valve-bag setups are bulky and therefore suitable for use only in hospitals, emergency vehicles, and lifeguard stations. In the early days of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, resuscitubes provided acceptable results. This tube