Is cutting the umbilical cord appropriate in the field?

Is cutting the umbilical cord appropriate in the field?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only with permission
• D. Never performed

Answer: (B)

The action of cutting the umbilical cord is a medical procedure that requires training, sterile technique, and a clear clinical judgment. In field settings, a non-medical responder should not perform this task because improper cutting or clamping can cause significant bleeding, infection, or injury to both baby and mother. The priority for field responders is to support the newborn’s breathing, keep the baby warm, and obtain medical help; a trained clinician will clamp and cut the cord when appropriate. Delaying cutting can be beneficial in some cases, but the decision and the technique are handled by the medical team, not by a lay responder. Therefore, cutting the umbilical cord in the field is not appropriate.

The action of cutting the umbilical cord is a medical procedure that requires training, sterile technique, and a clear clinical judgment. In field settings, a non-medical responder should not perform this task because improper cutting or clamping can cause significant bleeding, infection, or injury to both baby and mother. The priority for field responders is to support the newborn’s breathing, keep the baby warm, and obtain medical help; a trained clinician will clamp and cut the cord when appropriate. Delaying cutting can be beneficial in some cases, but the decision and the technique are handled by the medical team, not by a lay responder. Therefore, cutting the umbilical cord in the field is not appropriate.