Neonates are one of the most feared patient populations in EMS—and for good reason. In this episode, Zach Cantor talks with Anthony Iacolucci, a pediatric respiratory therapist and paramedic, about how to confidently approach neonatal calls.

Anthony introduces NEO SECRETS, a practical acronym covering the top 10 causes of neonatal illness, and offers insight into assessment, common pitfalls, and key treatment considerations.

NEO SECRETS Breakdown:

    •    N – Inborn errors of metabolism

    •    E – Electrolyte abnormalities

    •    O – Overdose or toxic exposure

    •    S – Sepsis (the leading cause of neonatal mortality)

    •    E – Endocrine crisis (e.g., hypoglycemia, adrenal insufficiency)

    •    C – Cardiac conditions (cyanotic vs. acyanotic presentations)

    •    R – Recipe or formula mishaps (e.g., dilution errors leading to hyponatremia)

    •    E – Enteric emergencies (e.g., malrotation with volvulus, gastroenteritis)

    •    T – Trauma, including accidental and non-accidental injuries

    •    S – Seizures (often subtle and hard to recognize in neonates)

 

Key Takeaways:

    •    Neonates are not small adults or even small pediatric patients—they are physiologically distinct and highly vulnerable.

    •    Early identification of sepsis, cardiac issues, and metabolic errors can save lives.

    •    Paramedics should rely on strong assessment skills, detailed history-taking, and high suspicion for uncommon causes.

    •    Videos, glucose checks, pre-ductal saturations, and detailed caregiver interviews are essential field tools.

    •    Understanding neonatal physiology, presentation timelines, and risk factors improves both confidence and outcomes.

 

Why Listen:

If you’ve ever felt unprepared when faced with a neonatal call, this episode provides a clear, practical, and memorable guide to the top threats to neonates—and how to recognize and respond to them in the field.