What should NEVER be used to deliver free flow oxygen to a newborn?

The self-inflating bag mask should never be used to deliver free-flow oxygen to a newborn because it is designed primarily for providing positive pressure ventilation rather than free-flow oxygen. When using a self-inflating bag, the intent is to assist or control ventilation, which requires a seal on the newborn’s face to be effective. This method is not suitable for delivering oxygen directly to a newborn without applying pressure, as it can lead to inaccurate dosing of oxygen and may not adequately oxygenate the infant due to the nature of how the device functions.

In contrast, other methods like oxygen masks or open reservoirs are designed to deliver free-flow oxygen safely and effectively as they can provide higher concentrations of oxygen without requiring pressure ventilation. Flow-inflating bags can also be used for free-flow oxygen but are typically utilized where positive pressure ventilation is needed. Therefore, the self-inflating bag is not appropriate for this specific purpose, highlighting the importance of using the correct equipment for neonatal resuscitation.