A method of bag valve mask ventilation in which the resuscitator compresses the self inflating bag between their open palm and the side of their body was compared with conventional single and two resuscitator bag valve mask ventilation. Fifteen nurses each ventilated three patients for 4 min following the induction of general anaesthesia, using one method per patient in random order. Tidal volume and peak mask pressures were higher with the two resuscitator technique than with either form of single resuscitator ventilation; There were no significant differences between the two methods of single resuscitator ventilation. Tidal volume: mean (S.D.); 'open palm': 270 ml (160); single resuscitator: 260 ml (220); two resuscitators: 480 ml (210). Peak mask pressure (mmHg): mean (SD); 'open palm': 19 (8); single resuscitator: 17(9); two resuscitator: 28 (11).