During bag-mask ventilation for a child, how should you position your fingers?

The correct technique for bag-mask ventilation in a pediatric patient is the E-C clamp technique. This method involves positioning the mask with your thumb and index finger in the shape of an "E" on the mask, while your remaining fingers form a "C" around the jawline. This configuration provides a secure seal over the patient's face and ensures that the airway is adequately opened, which is critical for effective ventilation.

Using the E-C clamp technique not only helps to maintain the proper position of the mask but also allows for better control of the airway. This is important in pediatric patients, as they can have more delicate airway structures, and a secure fit is necessary to deliver positive pressure ventilation efficiently.

Other methods, such as holding the mask with one hand or pushing down on the mask with your palm, do not provide the same level of control or seal. Holding the mask with both hands over the forehead, while potentially stable, may not offer the best support for the jaw or seal, which are crucial during ventilation. Therefore, the E-C clamp technique is recognized as the most effective and standardized method for achieving successful bag-mask ventilation in children.