Empowering EMS Clinicians with Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS)

Get introduced to the Red Cross Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) program (developed in collaboration with the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses), designed to address critical gaps in neonatal resuscitation training across diverse healthcare settings. NALS, with a focus on both in- and out-of-hospital care, equips clinicians with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to newborn emergencies—from the moment of birth through post-resuscitation care.

Neonatal care is an emerging challenge in the United States due to the growth of maternity care deserts in the United States. Over 35% of U.S. counties now have limited or no access to maternity care, affecting more than 2.3 million women and 150,000 births annually. These areas lack birthing hospitals, obstetric providers and prenatal care resources, leading to increased rates of preterm births, inadequate prenatal care and higher neonatal morbidity and mortality. These systemic gaps are driving a 22% increase in out-of-hospital births, placing greater responsibility on EMS providers to deliver lifesaving care in unpredictable environments.

With a focus on the “Golden Minute” after birth, NALS empowers EMS professionals to make rapid, informed decisions that can significantly improve neonatal outcomes. This presentation is both a call to action and a practical guide for EMS teams seeking to enhance their readiness in the face of a growing maternal health crisis.