What is the preferred method for delivering rescue breaths during CPR?

The preferred method for delivering rescue breaths during CPR is to use a bag-mask device. This approach allows for effective ventilation by providing a seal around the patient's mouth and nose, which ensures that air is delivered to the lungs while minimizing the risk of air leakage. The bag-mask device can effectively deliver oxygen-rich breaths to the patient, especially in situations where the patient may not be breathing adequately on their own.

Using a bag-mask device also helps to reduce the risk of infection compared to the mouth-to-mouth technique, as it provides a barrier between the rescuer and the patient. Moreover, the bag-mask device allows for the administration of higher tidal volumes, which can be crucial in cases of respiratory failure.

Other methods, such as using a mouth-to-mouth technique, may be less effective due to potential difficulties in achieving a good seal or concerns about infectious disease transmission. A ventilator, while effective for controlled ventilation, is typically not available in emergency situations outside of hospital settings, limiting its practicality. A positive pressure device might be utilized, but it may not offer the same level of control and efficacy as a bag-mask device during CPR. Thus, the bag-mask device is recognized as the superior choice for delivering rescue breaths in an emergency response scenario.