So as advised on the forum I signed up for CPR/First Aid/AED training and successfully completed it last week. Definately interesting stuff. (Plus I got to practice performing the Heimlich Maneuver on a pretty Pilates instructor <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />)...but anyway. I went down to REI and picked up a AMK Ultralight .5 which is now in my Max. Fatboy. They also had some AMK CPR kits but I was hesitant to buy something that I did not understand and had no frame of reference for (and obviously could not take out and examine). My question for the Med-types is are there any particular brand or model which are better or more suited than others. How am I gong to use it? Well I plan on never using it. But I want something so WHEN my best friend Murphy shows up at least I will have the option. Thanks in advance

Marc

No special brand or anything but look for few things on the pockets mask:

1) oxygen port
2) one way valve

Pocket masks are compatibile with bag ventilation devices and pretty much self explanatory. Throw a pair of gloves and alcohol wipe into the mask case. Also after few years throw away the mask. Plastic (cushion) gets old, cracks and you can't create a seal anymore. One you get your mask practice you "c" and "o" seals. Masks are really pro equipment and are cadilacs of air delivery devices. Most people deal with shields and barriers due to size issue. On the other hand masks even if bigger they deliver more air due to better seal.

And congratulations on becoming a cpr trained. Hope you never have to use it but if you do remember your ratios and count. Biggest problem is that people have a tendency to speed up because of adrenaline rushing thru their system and instead of doing one breath every 5 seconds they end up doing one every 3.

http://www.chiefsupply.com/oxygenmasks.phtml

Yeah pretty much this is what my students get when I teach CPR. I think Galls have the same mask with a soft carrying case:

http://www.galls.com/style.html?assort=general_catalog&style=RK041

CPR MASK
the link above is to one of the common cpr masks available. its not quite as robust as most "masks" but it works fine. And if you tight on space or looking for a true "pocket" mask its about the best way to go.
-the style i linked to is also the one used in about all of Adventure Medical Kits first aid kits.

I do have a barrier mask in both the large and small first aid kits, but not currenlty part of my every day carry. I do carry gloves...

TRO

You're lucky you didn't hurt your hands! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I don't the brand of one I saw a few years ago, but it had a keychain attachment and was about the size of a condom. I teased the girl whose keys I saw it on, but it seems she was prepared in a different way than I thought.

I'm sure it's not fancy, one time use, no 02 valve or anything, but it would be better than nothing, and quite portable.

Should have researched before I posted, but I found this in case you are interested.

Thanks for the help. I have (hopefully) learned to ask the experts then buy, not the reverse. Most of us have learned many lessons (especially with regard to our respective professions) most of which I cannot financially afford to make for myself (plus life is too short). Anyways I think I am going to get a key-ring style and just clip it to my EDC pack. My keys are already way too big to add anything else and maintain social decorum. Again thanks for the excellent info.

Marc