Reducing the risk of postpartum haemorrhage in paramedic practice

Samuel McCreesh
Friday, June 1, 2012

Primary postpartum haemorrhage is the most common form of obstetric haemorrhage. Poor recognition and treatment of this condition has been linked to cases of mortality in recent years. Greater choice over birth settings for mothers and a national shortage of midwives are likely to result in more frequent exposure to maternity cases for paramedics in future years. Active management of the third stage of labour reduces the risks of primary postpartum haemorrhage and shortens the length of the third stage of labour. UK ambulance service guidelines are currently based upon physiological management of the third stage of labour, so in the absence of a midwife, paramedics cannot actively manage the third stage. Paramedic training has moved to higher education university programmes in recent years and undergraduate paramedic students receive additional training about the management of obstetric emergencies. This article discusses current clinical practice and recommends that paramedics adopt active management of the third stage of labour, in order to reduce the risk of primary postpartum haemorrhage. In addition, the author asks whether current paramedic practice is effective in treating primary postpartum haemorrhage within the pre-hospital setting, when a midwife is not present at the scene.

Subscribe to get full access to the Journal of Paramedic Practice

Thank you for vising the Journal of Paramedic Practice and reading our archive of expert clinical content. If you would like to read more from the only journal dedicated to those working in emergency care, you can start your subscription today for just £48.

CPD Focus

Reading the Journal of Paramedic Practice counts towards your professional development

Develop your career

We provide professional information dedicated to paramedics covering training, education and jobs

Stay informed

Get the latest clinical information to ensure you are aware of the latest think and best practice in paramedicne

Subscribe now

Already registered? - Sign in here