How to resuscitate a newborn
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.
Most newborns who need help only need effective ventilation.
Step by step
First look
Term? Good tone? Breathing or crying? If yes, skin to skin. [1]
Warm, dry, stimulate
Position the airway, clear if needed. [1]
Ventilate
If not breathing or heart rate under 100: bag-mask within the first minute, 40 to 60 breaths per minute. [1]
Heart rate
Check often; fix ventilation first if it does not rise. [1]
Compressions
Heart rate under 60 after 30 seconds of effective ventilation: 3 compressions to 1 breath, higher oxygen. [1]
Epinephrine
If still under 60, per protocol. [1]
Common errors
- Delaying ventilation.
- Compressions before ventilation is effective.
- Hypothermia.
Practice it in VMS
In VMS you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
VMS cases that train this skill
Sources
Facts and steps follow NASEMSO National Model EMS Clinical Guidelines; NREMT psychomotor skill sheets (EMT and Paramedic). VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.