What type of oxygen delivery system is a standard face mask?

A standard face mask is considered a low flow oxygen delivery system. This is because it typically provides supplemental oxygen at a flow rate of 6 to 10 liters per minute, which does not meet the total oxygen demand of the patient and can lead to room air mixing with the supplied oxygen. The patient receives a concentration of oxygen higher than that of ambient air, but it is variable depending on the patient's breathing pattern and the exact flow rate used.

Other systems, such as high flow and variable flow, provide a different mechanism for oxygen delivery. High flow systems can deliver a specific and consistent concentration of oxygen regardless of the patient's breathing effort, while variable flow systems involve more complex delivery modalities that adjust according to specific patient needs. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the role and effectiveness of each type of oxygen delivery system in emergency medical care.