Neonatal resuscitation: use of the precordial stethoscope

The precordial stethoscope allows direct monitoring of infants in the delivery room during neonatal resuscitation. The use of this monitor is already mandated as a standard of care practice in pediatric and adult anesthesia. A simple preparation and application of this monitor is described. The routine use of the precordial stethoscope during infant resuscitation in the delivery room may improve quality of care, especially pertaining to airway management, in an area otherwise devoid of monitors. It may be useful in other pediatric resuscitation settings and when transporting ill or sedated pediatric patients.