Regional Emergency Medical Advisory Committee of New York City
Certified First Responder Support Protocols
Copyright January 1996 (8/96)

342 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 LESS THAN 30 BREATHS PER MINUTE (HYPOVENTILATION); OR,HEART RATE LESS THAN 100 BEATS PER MINUTE (BRADYCARDIA)

SEE PROTOCOL #343.

Assess for shock and treat, if appropriate. (See Protocol #358.)

Monitor the umbilical cord for bleeding.

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

Transport in accordance with first response agency policy, keeping the newborn warm.

NOTE:

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


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