In the 43rd week of gestation a long, thin infant was delivered. He is apneic, limp, pale, and covered with "pea soup" amniotic fluid. The first step in the resuscitation of this infant at delivery should be:

Answer options

1. Suction of the trachea under direct vision
2. Artificial ventilation with bag and mask
3. Artificial ventilation with endotracheal tube
4. Administration of 100% oxygen by mask
5. Catheterization of the umbilical vein