Newborn Life Support Provider Course
 
      Requirements for use of umbilical cords
      on an NLS course skills station
 
      August 2006 (revised December 2006)

 
Professional indemnity (insurance) for the Resuscitation Council (UK) has been issued on the basis that written consent for the use of the umbilical cord has been obtained from the mother. It is essential, therefore, that the trust/unit involved in providing the umbilical cords for the NLS course has obtained this permission. It is the Course Director’s responsibility to ensure that this permission has been obtained when preparing for the course.

We would strongly advise that cords should only be used from those mothers who have been screened during the pregnancy and found to be negative for both HIV and Hepatitis B. In case of sharps injury during the station, it is also essential that each individual length of cord used can be traced to the individual who provided it. All cords used in the station must therefore be labelled in such a way as to allow this identification should it become necessary.

At the beginning of the skill station the lead instructor must inform the group that human umbilical cords are being used and should instruct everyone handling the material to employ universal precautions (i.e. wear gloves, aprons and glasses) at all times during this station.

Candidates who, for whatever reason, choose not to handle human cords may use a manikin alternative. Should they choose to do so this will not jeopardise their chance of success in the course or in possible selection as potential instructor. However, it should be emphasised that the manikin is no real alternative to using the human material and, having experienced the skill station, they should be advised to practise these skills at their own unit, under supervision.

A poster detailing the local Sharps Policies and Procedures should be in a prominent place and these procedures should be followed in the case of a sharps injury.

The cords should be prepared by the instructors prior to the skill station.

Plastic sheeting should be placed direct onto the working surface and these then covered with incontinence pads to protect the working surface.

The cords should be disposed of according to local unit policy.

All sharps should be disposed of safely in sharps bins.

Any incidents should be documented and reported according to local policy and details should also be included in the Course Directors report.

 
 
 
 

	© Resuscitation Council (UK)  2007   This page last updated: 8 June 2007