Neonatal resuscitation: the NRP guidelines

The Neonatal Resuscitation Programme, sponsored by the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation and by the American Heart Association, is a structured learning package and workshop for all individuals who provide resuscitation for newborns. The emphasis is on rapid, decisive action using algorithms based on clearly stated criteria. This CME article serves as an introduction to the NRP and discusses some of the new guidelines regarding concurrent ventilation and chest compressions, tracheal suction for meconium and the use of medications. The author encourages readers who find this article helpful to register in an accredited NRP course to receive the extensive illustrated textbook and to benefit from the "hands-on" nature of the workshop.