Newborn Life Support

Amplified

Preparation (Antenatal)

  • Communication with obstetric team
  • Equipment check: warmer, O2, suction, BVM, towels
  • Team briefing: roles assigned

At Birth (First 60 Seconds)

  • Start clock at delivery
  • Dry and stimulate
  • Assess: breathing, heart rate, tone
NOTE
Most babies respond to drying and stimulation alone

If Not Breathing (Golden Minute)

Airway

  • Neutral position (slight extension)
  • Suction if meconium/secretions visible

Breathing

  • 5 inflation breaths (sustained 2-3 sec each)
  • Use 30cm H2O pressure (term), 25cm (preterm)
  • Watch for chest rise

If HR <60 After 30 Seconds Ventilation

Circulation

  • 3:1 ratio (3 compressions : 1 ventilation)
  • Rate: 120 events/min (90 compressions + 30 breaths)
  • Thumb technique for chest compressions

Drugs (Rarely Needed)

  • Adrenaline 10-30 mcg/kg IV/IO (or 50-100 mcg/kg ETT)
  • Consider if HR <60 despite CPR and ventilation
Checklist Complete