How does RECOVER sequence newborn resuscitation?

Support the transition at birth

Dry and gently stimulate the newborn, clear the airway and maintain warmth. Assess vigor, breathing and heart rate. The newborn clinical guidelines prioritize lung aeration rather than routine application of adult CPR.

In a nonvigorous newborn with a cleared airway and bradycardia, initiate positive pressure ventilation. Start with room air and reassess chest movement and heart-rate response. Failure to improve prompts oxygen supplementation and further ventilation measures.

Escalate according to the heartbeat

If there is no detectable heartbeat, start CPR with chest compressions and ventilation immediately. With a detectable heartbeat, prioritize ventilation: the guideline suggests compressions for heart rate below 50/min persisting for more than 30 seconds despite positive pressure ventilation with oxygen. This threshold rests on expert opinion.

For delivery planning, the separate canine cesarean anesthesia answer addresses maternal anesthesia separately.

For the separate prehospital setting, see RECOVER first-aid guidance for dogs and cats.

Review the reasoning with its source

Use Vetinuity to explore cited diagnostic and treatment options, then assess their relevance yourself. It explains clinical considerations; it does not diagnose or prescribe.