Regional Emergency Medical Advisory Committee of New York City
Prehospital Basic Life Support Protocols
Copyright January 1996 (8/96)

442 CARE OF THE NEWBORN

Thoroughly but rapidly dry the newborn with a clean, dry towel.

Monitor the newborn's airway.

Suction the mouth and nose using a bulb syringe.

Administer oxygen to the newborn.

Monitor breathing for adequacy.

NOTE:IF THE NEWBORN IS UNRESPONSIVE, LIMP, OR HAS:
  • PERSISTENT CENTRAL CYANOSIS (LONGER THAN 15 TO 30 SECONDS);
  • RESPIRATORY RATE IS LESS THAN 30 BREATHS PER MINUTE (HYPOVENTILATION); OR
  • HEART RATE IS LESS THAN 100 BEATS PER MINUTE (BRADYCARDIA)
SEE PROTOCOL #443.

Assess for shock and treat, if appropriate. (See Protocol #458.)

Monitor the umbilical cord for bleeding.

Cover the newborn with a clean, dry towel or blanket, then wrap in a silver swaddler, exposing only the newborn's face.

Determine the Apgar Score at 1 and 5 minutes after delivery. (See Appendix K.)

NOTE:DO NOT DELAY TRANSPORT OR RESUSCITATION IN ORDER TO OBTAIN AN APGAR SCORE.

Transport, keeping the newborn warm.

NOTE:NEWBORN INFANTS ARE SUBJECT TO RAPID HEAT LOSS AND MUST BE KEPT WARM AND DRY.

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