Peds

Neonate / young infant apnea

Before / During / After / Pitfalls

Before

• Call neonatal/peds help early; prepare warmer, glucose, temperature, small suction, correct mask size, and tiny tubes.
• Ventilation is often the lifesaving intervention; prioritize effective BVM with visible chest rise.
• Use weight/gestational-age references and avoid adult assumptions.

During

• Gentle ventilation, small volumes, good seal, and rapid correction of bradycardia/hypoxia.
• Tube depth errors happen quickly; verify with EtCO₂ and clinical exam.
• Avoid repeated intubation attempts by low-experience operators if BVM is effective and help is coming.

After

• Temperature/glucose/infection/toxic/metabolic workup as appropriate.
• Secure tube and reassess depth after any movement.
• Neonatal/peds ICU pathway.

Pitfalls

• Mask too large or poor seal.
• Excessive ventilation pressure.
• Tube too deep after movement.