What is the FIRST priority for the paramedic when the infant is born?

What is the FIRST priority for the paramedic when the infant is born?

• A. Clamp and cut the umbilical cord
• B. Blow by oxygen to the baby
• C. Suction the airway and dry the baby
• D. Keep the infant's temperature stable

Answer: (C)

The first priority after birth is to establish a clear airway while preventing heat loss. Clearing secretions or fluid from the mouth and nose ensures the airway is open so the infant can breathe or respond to stimulation, and drying the baby helps prevent rapid temperature loss (cold stress) that can worsen respiratory effort. Together, suctioning the airway and drying the infant address the immediate needs of breathing and warmth, which must be in place before proceeding with other steps like clamping the cord or giving oxygen. The other actions are important but come after airway patency and temperature stabilization: the cord is clamped after birth, blow-by oxygen is not initially required if the infant is breathing well, and maintaining temperature is vital but is best achieved promptly by drying and warming the baby.

The first priority after birth is to establish a clear airway while preventing heat loss. Clearing secretions or fluid from the mouth and nose ensures the airway is open so the infant can breathe or respond to stimulation, and drying the baby helps prevent rapid temperature loss (cold stress) that can worsen respiratory effort. Together, suctioning the airway and drying the infant address the immediate needs of breathing and warmth, which must be in place before proceeding with other steps like clamping the cord or giving oxygen. The other actions are important but come after airway patency and temperature stabilization: the cord is clamped after birth, blow-by oxygen is not initially required if the infant is breathing well, and maintaining temperature is vital but is best achieved promptly by drying and warming the baby.