South Dakota EMS Protocols Practice Exam

In newborn resuscitation, if chest compressions are needed, you follow a rhythm of three compressions followed by one ventilation. This 3:1 cycle balances generating perfusion with delivering oxygen, which is crucial for a baby who has high oxygen needs and may not be circulating effectively yet. So you perform three quick compressions, then give one breath, and repeat. The other ratios aren’t used for newborn CPR according to standard neonatal resuscitation guidelines.