ABSTRACT
If the Apgar score is low, equal to or less than 3, then active intervention is necessary. In blue apnoea, resuscitation may be possible with bag and mask or T-piece ventilation, when oxygen is forced into the lungs. In white, or terminal, apnoea the baby is in a far worse state and will only respond to intubation, placing a tube directly into the lungs. Ventilation of the lungs, and therefore improving oxygenation, is affected by intermittent positive pressure being applied either via the face mask or tube. Care must be taken, though, to avoid applying too great a pressure. There are two oxygen outlets on a resuscitaire, only one of which can be pressure-regulated. The unregulated outlet is used to give added oxygen to a self-ventilating baby; only the pressure-regulated outlet should be used for intermittent positive pressure ventilation. An adjustable pressure gauge regulates this outlet. Failure to use this regulator, or over zealous use of the bag, could result in the baby’s lungs being subjected to very high gas pressures with consequent damage: pneumothoraces.
