Resusci Towel

Each year, 6 million babies struggle to breathe at birth and require newborn resuscitation. One major challenge in the procedure is ensuring that the baby’s airways are open, which involves careful head positioning. Through user research, I learned that this position can be achieved by placing a rolled cloth or nappy beneath the baby’s shoulders. However, preparing the roll takes time and is not encouraged for less experienced health professionals.

The Resusci Towel is designed to facilitate head positioning for sustained open airways. It houses an inflatable shoulder support which can be quickly and easily adjusted to accommodate all babies. The towel also houses an instant heat pack to prevent hypothermia in the non-specialist birth environment. The towel is printed with simple instructions to guide the user through the procedure.