Medical Emergencies · Chapter 17 Not started

Childbirth, Obstetric Emergencies & Sexual Assault

Supporting imminent delivery in the field and caring compassionately for assault survivors.

Key points

Delivery is imminent with contractions under ~2 minutes apart, the urge to push, or crowning — prepare to assist rather than transport mid-delivery.
Support (never pull) the head as it delivers, check for cord around the neck, and be ready: babies are slippery.
After delivery: dry, warm, and stimulate the newborn; keep it at the level of the mother until the cord is clamped/tied per protocol.
Significant vaginal bleeding in pregnancy plus a transport decision: left-side positioning late in pregnancy keeps the uterus off the vena cava.
For sexual assault survivors: safety, medical needs, and emotional support come first; preserve evidence (discourage washing/changing) without ever making it a condition of care; involve law enforcement per protocol.

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