Emergency medical services
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Assessment and management of the newborn is a very rapid sequence of events. Unlike adult resuscitation, where the goal is to "restore" the breathing and perfusion that they once had, the goal of resuscitating a newborn is to "initiate" effective breathing and perfusion. It is of paramount importance for prehospital care providers to be prepared to handle these critical cases in an expedient manner. The vast majority of newborns breathe spontaneously at delivery or very shortly thereafter, with little intervention required by EMS; however, EMS providers should always be mentally and physically prepared to assist a struggling newborn.
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As EMS providers, most of you will care for a child with a special healthcare need at some point in your career. The complexity of these patients and the vast array of specialized equipment required for their medical care, however, need not be frightening. ⋯ A rapid assessment using the ABC approach and timely transport to the hospital will be sufficient in the majority of cases. Remember, the child's care provider is a valuable resource and should be used to the fullest extent whenever possible.