Clinical risk management in newborn and neonatal resuscitation

This chapter aims to provide an overview of aspects of risk management as they might be applied to the practice of resuscitation of the newborn using general principles of risk management and specific standards where they apply. Section 1 considers the matter of hazard and risk and how they may be classified. Figures are presented to provide a clinical perspective on resuscitation with a discussion on the hierarchy of clinical risks operating upon the baby. Section 2 centres on a discussion of those aspects that operate to modify the risks to the baby during a resuscitation, including environmental considerations (location, clinical setting and equipment); staffing issues (establishment, competency, induction and training) and logistics (process, communication and documentation). Section 3 debates the place of cord gases in the context of the diagnosis of perinatal hypoxaemia.