title: Developing protocols for obstetric emergencies.
abstract: There is potential for important steps to be missed in emergency situations, even in the presence of many health care team members. Developing a clear plan of response for common emergencies can ensure that no tasks are redundant or omitted, and can create a more controlled environment that promotes positive health outcomes. A multidisciplinary team was assembled in a large community hospital to create protocols that would help ensure optimum care and continuity of practice in cases of postpartum hemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, emergency cesarean surgical birth, eclamptic seizure and maternal code. Assignment of team roles and responsibilities led to the evolution of standardized protocols for each emergency situation.
authors.forename: Cheryl K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Roth
authors.forename: Sheryl E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Parfitt
authors.forename: Sandra L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Hering
authors.forename: Sarah A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Dent
mesh_terms: D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000451:nursing; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D004420:Dystocia / Q000451:nursing; D004630:Emergencies / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000451:nursing; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy
keywords: eclampsia; emergency cesarean; emergency protocol; maternal code; postpartum hemorrhage; shoulder dystocia