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Neonates - Anthony Iacolucci
05/30/2025
Neonates - Anthony Iacolucci
Neonates are one of the most feared patient populations in EMSâand 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 â Inborn errors of metabolism ⢠E â Electrolyte abnormalities ⢠O â Overdose or toxic exposure ⢠S â Sepsis (the leading cause of neonatal mortality) ⢠E â Endocrine crisis (e.g., hypoglycemia, adrenal insufficiency) ⢠C â Cardiac conditions (cyanotic vs. acyanotic presentations) ⢠R â Recipe or formula mishaps (e.g., dilution errors leading to hyponatremia) ⢠E â Enteric emergencies (e.g., malrotation with volvulus, gastroenteritis) ⢠T â Trauma, including accidental and non-accidental injuries ⢠S â Seizures (often subtle and hard to recognize in neonates) Key Takeaways: ⢠Neonates are not small adults or even small pediatric patientsâthey 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 youâve ever felt unprepared when faced with a neonatal call, this episode provides a clear, practical, and memorable guide to the top threats to neonatesâand how to recognize and respond to them in the field.
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