For the first time, the American Heart Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics co-created updated guidelines on neonatal resuscitation.
The AHA and AAP published the recommendations Oct. 22 regarding emergency cardiovascular care and CPR for infants and children in cardiac arrest. Among the guidelines were these revised statements and recommendations:
- For term newborns who do not require immediate resuscitation, deferring cord clamping for at least 60 seconds can lead to improved hematologic indices and iron status compared to immediate cord clamping.
- For ventilation and continuous positive airway pressure, initial peak inflation pressures of 20 to 30 centimeters H20 is reasonable. It is also reasonable to provide ventilation at a rate of 30 to 60 inflations per minute in newborns.
- For infants and children in cardiac arrest, interruptions in CPR should be minimized. Pauses in chest compressions should be less than 10 seconds.
- For infants and children in cardiac arrest with initial nonshockable rhythm, it is reasonable to administer epinephrine as early as possible.
- Start CPR training in children younger than age 12 to enhance willingness and self-confidence.
Read the full guidance here.
