Category Archives: Neonatal Resuscitation

Do we still suction neonates immediately after birth?

Question: When doing resuscitation on babies born prematurely. Do we consider their corrected age to follow the appropriate resuscitation procedure or do we go by their actual birthday? ie) if baby was born 4 weeks premature, do we consider them to be neonatal and follow 3:1 compression and ventilation rate until they are 8 or 9 weeks after birth?

Question: At what gestation would it be deemed appropriate for neonatal resuscitation?

Question: I have read the post Jan. 31 2012 in regards to R/A vs. 02 when resuscitating a neonate. It states that 100% 02 will be used after 90 sec with compressions if HR is below 60. It also states that 100% 02 will be continued until HR is normal. Does this refer to 100 bpm?

The reason I ask is if I read the flow chart to the letter at 90 sec with a HR below 60, 02 and compressions are begun. If I reassess 30 sec later and the HR has improved above 60 but below 100 (ex. 80 bpm), I continue ventilating, but do I discontinue the 02 and use R/A only? Also compressions are to be discontinued. What is stance on using a pedi-mate on a critical or VSA neonate or child (below 40 lbs)? Is it necessary as it can be cumbersome and time consuming when trying to get off scene quickly?

Question: With the assumption that the Cardiac Arrest Medical Directive applies to patients > 30 days, and the Neonate Resuscitate Medical Directive applies to patients < 30 days, can we administer Epi to Anaphylaxis VSA patients under the age of 30 days? (We realize this is a VERY rare what-if).

Question: With regards to neonatal resuscitation, are we to provide room air PPV for 30sec (as per ALS PCS), or provide room air PPV for 90sec (as per AHA guidelines)? Also, why is room air the preferable choice for initial PPV over 100% O2? (Updated)