Learning Modules – Overview
Module 1 – Key concepts and guidelines (Online learning module)
Having completed this online learning module, participants are expected to be familiar with the principles and the sequential steps of assessment and management of an infant at birth, which include:
- The Australian and New Zealand Council on Resuscitation (ANZCOR) Neonatal Resuscitation Flow Chart
- Factors which place the newborn at risk of requiring resuscitation
- Preparing for resuscitation of a newborn infant
- Recommended resuscitation equipment
- Assessment of the newly born infant
- Management of the infant born through meconium stained amniotic fluid
- Management of the infant’s airway
- Assessment and management of the infant’s breathing
- Positive pressure ventilation devices and their use
- Indications for external chest compressions
- The recommended technique for providing external chest compressions
- Indications for advanced resuscitation measures, iincluding intubation, umbilical vessel cannulation and the administration of medications
Module 2 – First Response (Practical module)
Having completed this practical module, participants are expected to demonstrate improved confidence and competence in providing the following First Response resuscitation interventions:
- Clearing the airway at birth (if necessary)
- Positioning the infant to maintain his or her airway
- Providing warmth
- Assessing the newborn’s breathing and heart rate
- Assisting the newborn to breathe using a positive pressure ventilation device and a face mask if the infant is not breathing or the infant’s heart rate is less than 100 bpm
- Providing external chest compressions if positive pressure ventilation fails to maintain an adequate heart rate
- Recognising when advanced resuscitation measures are indicated
Effective ventilation is the key to successful newborn resuscitation, therefore proficiency and competency in providing positive pressure ventilation is the major focus of this module.
Module 3- Advanced resuscitation (Practical module)
Having completed this practical module, participants are expected to demonstrate improved confidence and competence in providing the following advanced resuscitation interventions:
- Endotracheal intubation
- Insertion of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA)
- The administration of drugs to improve cardiac output and contractility
- Insertion of an umbilical venous catheter to establish vascular access
- Administration of volume expanders including blood products and volume expanders to treat hypovolaemia and shock
Module 4: Post resuscitation care (Online learning module)
Having completed this online learning module, participants are expected to be familiar with the principles of stabilisation and care of the newborn infant who has required resuscitation at birth, including:
- Observations and monitoring
- Management of blood glucose levels
- Management of fluids and electrolytes
- Investigations and imaging
- Therapeutic hypothermia for the infant with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE)
- Discontinuation of resuscitation and/or withdrawal of care