What is the primary purpose of using a bag-valve mask?

The primary purpose of using a bag-valve mask (BVM) is to provide ventilatory support. In emergency situations, when a patient is unable to breathe adequately on their own, a BVM system allows an EMT to assist in maintaining adequate ventilation. The bag compresses to deliver oxygen-enriched air directly into the patient's lungs when the mask is applied securely over the face, ensuring that both oxygenation and ventilation occur effectively.

While maintaining a clear airway is a crucial first step in any emergency response, the focused action of the BVM is not just about keeping the airway open; it is specifically about assisting or replacing the patient's own respiratory effort. Although delivering high-flow oxygen can be a component of the initial assessment and intervention, it is the act of ventilating the patient with the BVM that serves the immediate need for respiratory support. Measuring air volumes is not a function of the BVM; rather, that would involve different devices or methods typically used in clinical settings.