Preparation and readiness

Effective resuscitation of the newborn baby requires good organization and preparation. The following advice follows Resuscitation Council (UK) Newborn Life Support standards (2010). If a Resuscitaire is not available, you will need a warm flat surface with good lighting and a clock or watch to record the timing of events.

Check all equipment before use

• Resuscitaire with gas supply; pressure relief valve; T-piece circuit; Tom Thumb or T-piece device
  
• Self-inflating bag (500 mL) with pressure-limiting device
  
• Round soft silicone face masks – sizes 00; 0/1; 2
  
• Suction apparatus – Yankauer sucker; catheter sizes 12–14 French
  
• Guedel airways – sizes 000; 00; 0 and laryngoscope + Oxford blade
  
• Stethoscope – neonatal/paediatric
  
• Saturation probe and oximeter
  
• Warm towels and wraps.

Keep infants warm: avoid heat loss

Babies are wet at birth and have a large surface area : body weight ratio. Hypothermia and acidosis inhibit surfactant production which may lead to respiratory distress. It is crucial that newborn infants are dried and kept warm during resuscitation procedure. Dry and cover with warm dry towels. The action will also stimulate the baby. Preterm infants are placed wet into plastic bag, hat applied and then placed under radiant heater, immediately following delivery. Room temperature should be 26°C.