Final answer:
The first step in carrying out artificial ventilation with a bag valve mask is to position the head of the patient in a hyperextended 'sniffing' posture. An airway adjunct may also be inserted, and the appropriate size mask should be used. Finally, the mask bag should be squeezed to cause the patient's chest to rise.
Step-by-step explanation:
When carrying out artificial ventilation using a bag valve mask to help patients whom you consider to have no trauma, the first step is to put the head of the patient in a 'sniffing' posture that is hyperextended. This position helps to open up the airway and makes it easier to ventilate the patient. After positioning the head correctly, you can then proceed to insert an airway adjunct if necessary and choose the appropriate size mask for the patient. Lastly, you should squeeze the mask bag until the patient's chest rises to provide artificial ventilation.