After delivering a baby, what should the paramedic's next action be if the infant is breathing but appears cyanotic with a bradycardic pulse?

In the scenario described, where the infant is breathing but presents with cyanosis and bradycardia, the most appropriate action is to provide tactile stimulation. This technique involves gentle rubbing or flicking the infant's back or soles of their feet to stimulate breathing and improve circulation.

Tactile stimulation can help in improving the heart rate and promoting normal respiratory function, especially in newborns who may still have some reflexive capabilities. In cases of bradycardia and mild respiratory distress, this initial intervention is often effective and does not require the advanced procedures that could be more invasive or unnecessary at this stage.

Other methods such as CPR would be reserved for a situation where the infant is unresponsive or is not breathing effectively despite initial measures. Positive pressure ventilatory assistance is typically introduced if the infant is not breathing adequately or if there is no improvement after providing tactile stimulation. Similarly, while supplemental oxygen may ultimately be required, it is considered after confirming the necessity through assessment and often follows tactile stimulation as a primary response.