G211(P) Delivery of sustained inflations and inflation breaths to a mannequin and prematurely-born infants

Aims There is increasing interest in using sustained inflations (SI) during resuscitation at delivery, particularly for prematurely-born infants. It is known that the five inflation breaths (IB) currently in use in the UK are often shorter than the recommended two to three seconds.1 The aim of the study was to determine how accurately IB and SI were delivered to a mannequin and prematurely-born infants. Methods Thirty-two doctors used a Neopuff device to deliver SIs lasting fifteen seconds and IBs to a mannequin. Sixty infants were randomised to receive SIs or IBs during stabilisation at delivery.2 An NM3 respiratory function monitor (Phillips Respironics) was used to record the duration of the SI and IB. An accurate IB was determined as between two and three seconds and an accurate SI between 14.5 and 15.5 s. Results There were no significant differences between the durations of SIs or IBs delivered to the mannequin or to infants during stabilisation at delivery or the percentage of ‘accurate’ IBs or SIs respectively (table 1). The proportion of accurate durations of IB or SI were not significantly different between ST2–3 doctors or ST6 +doctors delivered either to a mannequin or at delivery (table 2). Conclusion The accuracy of delivery of inflation breaths and sustained inflations was not significantly different when delivered to a low fidelity mannequin or during stabilisation at delivery. More experienced doctors did not outperform those with less experience. References Murthy, et al.Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2012;97:F249–53. Hunt, et al. Trials 2017;18:569.