Preparation for further support

Lung aeration and breathing support is likely to be rapidly successful if begun before the newborn becomes severely hypoxic. Babies in primary apnoea are usually able to continue the transition and begin to breath if the airway is clear, however it is impossible to determine whether the baby is is primary or terminal apnoea, a systematic approach to newborn care, assessment and management is required.

NOTE: Gasping is an indicator that breathing support may be required and apnoea following gasping will require clinical intervention to aerate the lungs using the NLS algorithm to structure this approach.