Neonatal Resuscitation

This episode of the Pediatric Emergency Playbook, hosted by Tim Horachko, delves into the eighth edition of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) from the American Academy of Pediatrics, providing strategy and support through clinical cases, research and reviews, and best practice guidance. The episode covers the normal order of operations, initial steps, and resuscitation triggers, emphasizing the importance of a quick team briefing and equipment check before birth. It outlines the critical assessments within the first minute of life—term gestation, good tone, breathing or crying—and details the interventions needed based on different scenarios, including warming, drying, stimulating, suctioning, and when to initiate positive pressure ventilation or chest compressions. The podcast further explains troubleshooting techniques like the MR. SOPA mnemonic, proper ventilation and oxygenation methods, and the administration of epinephrine, highlighting key differences between NRP and PALS guidelines, such as the 3:1 compression-to-ventilation ratio. The episode underscores the significance of understanding a newborn's physiology, slow transition, delicate lungs, sensitivity to hypoxia, and lack of thermal regulation for effective resuscitation.