Resuscitation at Birth

Question 1

What do you do if a baby is gasping or not breathing at birth but has a heart rate?

Answer 1

Secure airway
5 inflation breaths
If chest not moving - reposition, consider inspection or suction
If moving reassess HR and give
30 ventilation breaths over 30s
If after 30s if remains slow, start chest compressions
If improving, ventilate for another 30s and reassess

Question 2

What do you do if a baby has a heart rate of <60 or absent?

Answer 2

Start chest compressions at a ration of 3 compressions to 1 inflation breath for 30s
If absent consider vascular access and drugs (umbilical route)
Adrenaline, sodium bicard, glucose, saline