Over the past week, the Manual Ventilation Academy (MVA) has launched one of its most ambitious training sessions yet — in partnership with the Fort Worth Fire Department — and the energy on the ground is nothing short of transformational.
With 10 new MVA instructors, trained by renowned lead instructor Bob Page, the team has already delivered 6 hands-on courses to nearly 200 firefighters. By April 21, that number will rise to 800 students trained in High-Performance Ventilation (HPV) — a game-changing approach that’s setting a new standard in emergency care.
Why manual ventilation matters — and why it needs to change
Manual ventilation is a critical intervention in prehospital care — yet for too long, it has been inconsistently taught, poorly measured, and largely underestimated. The Manual Ventilation Academy was created to change that.
Our mission is simple but urgent:
- To elevate the understanding and execution of manual ventilation
- To empower providers with measurable, evidence-based techniques
- To ensure better patient outcomes through better ventilation practices
As we say at the MVA: “The simplest tools, when used with precision and understanding, can make the greatest difference.”
What makes the MVA approach different?
At the heart of the MVA philosophy is a commitment to real-world, hands-on learning, powered by objective feedback and data. Our trainings integrate Ventilation Feedback Devices allowing providers to see and correct their technique in real time — or even evaluate their performance anonymously through hidden recording mode.
The result? Students leave not just informed but transformed.
“It’s pretty commonly cited that everyone is bad at manual ventilation,” one participant shared. “But prior to taking this class, no one ever seemed to have a clear idea of what to do about that. The instant feedback of the EOlife combined with the ability to test yourself with the hidden recording mode means you can verify mastery — in a way I don’t know a viable alternative to.”
At the heart of the MVA philosophy is a commitment to real-world, hands-on learning, powered by objective feedback and data. Our trainings integrate tools allowing providers to see and correct their technique in real time — or even evaluate their performance anonymously through hidden recording mode.
More than just skills — a mindset shift
This isn’t just about squeezing a bag better. It’s about understanding why precision matters — and how it can save lives.
“This class is important because it shows how much better care the citizens of Fort Worth need from us — to give them a better outcome if an emergency happens.”
“Directly applicable and shows we have not been providing the best quality ventilation we can.”
These are not just quotes. They’re reflections of a culture shift that’s taking place, right now, on the fireground.
The road ahead: building a community of ventilation leaders
What’s happening in Fort Worth is only the beginning.
Through partnerships, instructor development, and data-driven practices, the Manual Ventilation Academy is building a nationwide community of High-Performance Ventilation leaders. Our vision is clear: to make competent, confident manual ventilation the standard — not the exception.
“You can feel the shift happening,” says Bob Page. “Crews are energized. They’re seeing ventilation in a whole new light.”
If you’re a provider, a trainer, or a department leader — now is the time to get involved. Because in emergency care, better ventilation means better outcomes. And the revolution is already underway.
📢 Follow the Manual Ventilation Academy for upcoming trainings, insights, and opportunities to join the movement.
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