New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

If a newborn does not breathe spontaneously, what should the EMT provider do first?

1. Administer CPR immediately

2. Flick the baby gently on the bottom of the feet

3. Ensure the airway is clear

4. Provide gentle chest compressions

The correct answer is: Flick the baby gently on the bottom of the feet

In the context of supporting a newborn who is not breathing spontaneously, the first action to take is to flick the baby gently on the bottom of the feet. This gentle stimulus can help elicit a response and encourage spontaneous breathing. In newborns, relying on tactile stimulation is often an effective first step before progressing to more advanced interventions. While ensuring the airway is clear is crucial in cases of respiratory distress, it should follow after stimulating the newborn. The airways should be checked and ensured to be clear if the initial stimulus does not effectively prompt breathing. Administering CPR immediately or providing gentle chest compressions is not appropriate in this scenario unless the newborn shows signs of significant distress or failure to respond to basic interventions.