There is no standardized prehospital neonatal resuscitation curriculum for EMS. The Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) guidelines focus on hospital based births which may not translate to the prehospital environment.
This study was prospective and observational that used a virtual, EMS tailored newborn resuscitation curriculum. Initially, 350 EMS clinicians watched a 90 min video. This was then modified based on their feedback to a 60 minute interactive curriculum specifically designed for EMS that emphasized NRP concepts and reinforced how NRP was different from pediatric resuscitation. 17 EMS jurisdictions viewed the program and were then given a brief NRP based quiz before, after and 3 months following the training.
Feedback was overall positive and post test and 3 month follow up test scores showed improvement from the pre test scores.
Standardized neonatal resuscitation education represents an area where improvements can be made in prehospital education. This particular curriculum was well received and improved EMS clinicians knowledge based. Jurisdictional medical directors should work with their department on standardized education for the neonatal population.
Also, stay tuned for updated NRP guidelines which are due to come out this fall.
References
Huynh TK, Smith JD, Neth M, Overton-Harris P, Daya MR, Guise JM, Meckler GD, Hansen ML. Virtual Neonatal Resuscitation Curriculum for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to Improve Out-of-Hospital Newborn Care. Prehosp Emerg Care. 2025 Jan 28:1-7. doi: 10.1080/10903127.2025.2450074. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39786751.
