- A child briefly stopping breathing, turning blue or becoming floppy must always be taken seriously.
- A brief resolved episode in a baby may sometimes be called a BRUE, but this is a medical assessment made afterwards.
- Never rely solely on your child seeming normal afterwards.
- Never shake a baby.
- Every episode resembling an actual breathing arrest needs medical assessment the same day; call 912 for ongoing problems.
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General information, not personal medical advice
This article has been carefully prepared but may contain errors or become outdated as medical knowledge changes. It does not replace diagnosis, examination or treatment by your own GP. Always discuss personal questions and starting, stopping or changing medicines or treatments with your own GP.
For a life-threatening situation, call Ambulance 912. For urgent care outside office hours, call HAP 9252.
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