Neonatal Resuscitation the ABC Steps

Neonatal Resuscitation

Learning resuscitation is one of the must to learn in basic first aid. Along with these is neonatal resuscitation. Since the babies have different anatomy since their bodies are still under developed, the steps for resuscitation slightly differs from that of the adult.


 
The first step is still the same which is to assess the ABC or airway, breathing and circulation. So check the airway, see if he is still breathing and if there is a pulse. Next step in neonatal resuscitation is to open the airway. See if there is anything that might be blocking the airway. Tilt the head gently only if it is not a trauma case. In case the baby fell and might have compromised spine or neck open the airway by doing a jaw thrust.

Once you’ve checked that the airway is clear, determine if there is breathing. Observe the chest of the baby if it is rising and also listen for air movement. Try to feel with your cheek if there are any exhalations, by placing your cheek near the baby’s mouth. If there’s no breathing then do two rescue breaths. Cover the nose and the mouth and breathe into the baby’s airway. Do not include the eyes in the procedure. While doing this step in the neonatal resuscitation see if there is a rise and fall of the chest. If there is no movement on the chest then there must be something wrong being done, so readjust the airway. Also check if there is any obstruction in the airway but remember never to do a blind finger sweep because it will only make the object be further lodged in the airway.

As for checking the circulation, do this by feeling for a pulse. It can be checked by feeling for the brachial artery. This is located at the upper arm and the index and middle finger can be used to feel the pulse. If there is no pulse do more compressions. In neonatal resuscitation practice compression is only done when there is no pulse.