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.

The data visualisation below presents data on the active resuscitation status of liveborn babies, by selected maternal and baby characteristics, for 2019 and 2020.

The figure shows a bar chart of the active resuscitation method for the number per 100 liveborn babies by a range of topics for 2020. In 2020, between 75 and 85 per 100 liveborn babies did not require active resuscitation immediately after birth.

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
  • be of low birthweight
  • be born pre-term
  • be born as part of a multiple birth.

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