Neonatal Resuscitation

Based on a study on neonatal resuscitation, 15% of term infants at birth require some resuscitation support:

• 10% respond during drying & stimulation
• 3% after positive pressure ventilation
• 2% require intubation
• 0.1% require chest compressions &/or medications

5 key points for neonatal resuscitation:

• Ensure warmth​
  • Use mother’s body as a heat source – skin to skin on mother’s chest
  • For pre-term baby (< 32 weeks): Cover with food-grade plastic bag/wrap
  • For a term (and pre-term >33 weeks) baby: Cover with a warm towel, blanket
• Open airway
  • Sniffing position
  • Bulb suction
  • Wipe mouth and nose with clean cloth wrapped around the finger
  • Stimulate to breath with PPV, bag & mask, mouth-to-mouth-and-nose​
• Ensure adequate ventilation​
  • Ventilation of the lungs is most important in the resuscitation of the newborn
  • Avoid delay
  • PPV should be initiated within 1 min (golden minute)
• Coordinated chest compressions with ventilation​
• Assessment – HR, Breathing, Oxygenation (Colour)

Watch the presentation and live demonstration of neonatal CPR by Dr Selina Ho, Dr Ereno Imelda Lustestica and Dr Vina Tagamolila Canlas from the Singapore General Hospital at the National Life Saving Day 2020 Symposium:

Her presentation slides are also available for download.