Health personnel from the Canary Emergency Service (SUC) recently intervened via telemedicine to assist a 29-year-old woman who, after giving birth to her baby in her private vehicle while on the way to the hospital on a road in Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura, realized the newborn was not breathing or crying.
The SUC coordinating nurse remained on the phone, providing instructions on how to perform an oral sweep and turn the newborn over to stimulate her back energetically. The baby, at 38 weeks gestation, responded immediately with a strong, audible cry.
Given they were in their vehicle and close to the hospital, the oral sweep, indicated by the nurse due to the lack of adequate suction resources, aimed to clear excess amniotic fluid from the baby's oral cavity to facilitate a clear upper airway.
In the case of a newborn, energetic back stimulation is used to trigger the respiratory reflex, promoting lung expansion and neurological and motor responses. The parents continued to receive necessary guidance to keep the baby warm until their arrival at the hospital, which had been alerted.
“"It is important to remain calm in emergency situations, provide all possible information correctly to ensure a rapid and effective intervention. And follow the instructions of the health coordinators at all times."
The SUC reminds the public that the telemedicine provided daily by its coordinating doctors and nurses helps save lives and reduce potential long-term effects.
