Active resuscitation method

Resuscitation is undertaken to establish independent breathing and heartbeat or to treat depressed respiratory effect and to correct metabolic disturbances. Active resuscitation methods range from less advanced methods like suction or oxygen therapy to more advanced methods, such as external cardiac massage and ventilation.

Data are for liveborn babies only. Due to a change in collection of data on resuscitation method, data are available from 2019.

Figure 1 presents data on the active resuscitation status of liveborn babies, by selected maternal and baby characteristics, for 2021. Select the trend button to see how data has changed over a 3-year period (where available).

Figure 1: Proportion of liveborn babies, by active resuscitation method and selected topic

Bar charts shows active resuscitation method by selected topics and a line graph shows topic trends between 2019 and 2021. 

Where resuscitation was required, continuous positive pressure ventilation (CPAP) was the most commonly used method and external cardiac compressions was the least common method.

Babies who required resuscitation were more likely to:

  • have an Apgar score of less than 7 (69%)
  • be of low birthweight (87%)
  • be born pre-term (90%)
  • be born as part of a multiple birth (82%).

For more information on active resuscitation method see National Perinatal Data Collection annual update data table 3.18.