Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation of the Newborn
Robert A. Sinkin MD1
Jonathan M. Davis MD2
1 Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, The Department of Pediatrics (Neonatology) and the Specialized Center of Research in Respiratory Diseases of Newborns, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York
2 Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Medical Director, Newborn Intensive Care Unit, The Department of Pediatrics (Neonatology) and the Specialized Center of Research in Respiratory Diseases of Newborns, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York
Approximately 3.5 million babies are born each year in approximately 5000 hospitals in the United States. Only 15% of these hospitals have neonatal intensive care facilities. Six percent of all newborns require life support in the delivery room or nursery, and this need for resuscitation rises to 80% in neonates weighing less than 1500 g at birth.
Personnel who are skilled in neonatal resuscitation and capable of functioning as a team and an appropriately equipped delivery room must always be readily available. At least one person skilled in neonatal resuscitation should be in attendance at every delivery. Currently, a joint effort by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association has resulted in the development of a comprehensive course to train appropriate personnel in neonatal resuscitation throughout the United States. Neonatal resuscitation is also taught as part of a Pediatric Advanced Life Support course offered by the American Heart Association. In concert with the goals of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association, we strongly urge all personnel responsible for care of the newborn in the delivery room to become certified in neonatal resuscitation.
The practical approach to neonatal resuscitation is the focus of this article.
