Neonatal Life Support

Question 1

What are the steps for neonatal life support?

Answer 1

1. Clamp cord, dry baby, start clock
2. Rub vigorously if pink/not crying
3. Give 5 inflation breaths if not breathing, confirm with chest movement/increased HR, continue if no response.
4. Call for help, recheck head position, 2-person airway control.
5. Aim for 40-60 breaths/min, add O2 if not picking up.
6. Check HR, if <60, start chest compressions, 3 compressions to 1 breath for 30s.
7. If after 30s HR <60, give 0.3ml adrenaline.
8. Check glucose and treat hypoglycaemia

Question 2

How do you wrap a baby with gestational age 28/40 or more compared to under 20/40 at birth?

Answer 2

1. 28/40 or more - warm towel

2. Under 28/40 - plastic bag, loose seal around neck (minimise heat and fluid loss, don’t dry)