What is the first-line treatment for neonatal resuscitation?

The first-line treatment for neonatal resuscitation involves ensuring adequate ventilation. When a newborn is not breathing or not breathing adequately at birth, providing effective ventilation is critical to establish adequate oxygenation and prevent hypoxia. Positive pressure ventilation is usually initiated with a bag-mask ventilation device.

Successful ventilation helps to stimulate the baby’s respiratory drive and aids in maintaining effective circulation. Adequate ventilation can often restore normal heart rate and breathing patterns without the need for further interventions.

Other options like medications, cardiac compressions, or defibrillation are employed only if the infant remains unresponsive to initial resuscitation efforts. They are not considered first-line treatments in the immediate management of a newborn who requires resuscitation. Thus, starting with effective ventilation is the correct approach for neonatal resuscitation.