Regional Emergency Medical Advisory Committee of New York City
Prehospital Basic Life Support Protocols
Copyright January 1996 (8/96)

440 OBSTETRIC EMERGENCIES

Monitor the airway.

Administer oxygen.

Place the patient in a LEFT lateral recumbent position.

If the patient is immobilized, elevate the right side of the long board a few inches.

Assess for shock and treat, if appropriate. (See Protocol #415.)

NOTE:CONSIDER SUPINE HYPOTENSION SYNDROME AS A CAUSE OF SHOCK.

For Special Considerations, request Advanced Life Support assistance, and see below.

Transport.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

PRE-ECLAMPSIA

Keep the mother calm, avoid loud noises, and transport with dim lighting in the patient compartment of the ambulance.


ECLAMPSIA

If seizures occur, see Protocol #413.


POST-PARTUM HEMORRHAGE

Massage the mother's abdomen over the uterus.

Place a sterile sanitary napkin over the vaginal opening.

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