Lesson 1Point-of-care tests and interpretation: bedside FBC, bedside ultrasound (FAST/obstetric), blood gas, lactateThis section covers choosing and interpreting point-of-care tests at the bedside for maternal emergencies, including full blood count, coagulation markers, blood gas, lactate, and targeted ultrasound for bleeding, ectopic pregnancy, and free fluid detection.
Bedside FBC and platelet interpretationPOC coagulation surrogates and limitsArterial and venous blood gas analysisLactate trends and prognostic valueFAST and basic obstetric ultrasound useLesson 2Practical checklists and cognitive aids for first-10-minute stabilisation (mnemonics, handover templates)This section presents structured checklists, mnemonics, and handover tools to direct the first ten minutes of maternal resuscitation, minimising errors, easing cognitive demands, and standardising communication in multidisciplinary teams.
Designing a maternal emergency checklistABCDE and obstetric-specific mnemonicsUsing cognitive aids during simulationsStandardized handover templates (SBAR)Integrating checklists into local protocolsLesson 3Rapid drug administration: uterotonics, tranexamic acid dosing and timing, vasopressors (noradrenaline/epinephrine) in obstetric shockThis section details swift, safe administration of uterotonics, tranexamic acid, and vasopressors for obstetric shock, stressing dosages, timing, contraindications, monitoring, and coordination with other resuscitation efforts across varied clinical environments.
First-line uterotonics and dosingTranexamic acid timing and regimensVasopressor choice in pregnancy shockTitration, monitoring, and side effectsDrug safety in breastfeeding and neonateLesson 4Rapid clinical recognition and classification of hypovolemic and shock statesThis section trains clinicians to spot and categorise hypovolaemic and other shock states in pregnancy via history, exam, vital signs, and basic tests, enabling prompt targeted treatment and appropriate escalation of care.
Stages of hypovolemic shock in obstetricsDifferentiating septic and cardiogenic shockKey history and examination red flagsShock indices and bedside scoring toolsTriggers for escalation and transferLesson 5Establishing large-bore IV/IO access, fluid resuscitation strategies and crystalloids vs colloidsThis section covers setting up large-bore IV and IO access in unstable obstetric patients, fluid selection and volumes, crystalloids versus colloids, and customising resuscitation for haemorrhage, sepsis, cardiogenic, or mixed shock.
Selecting IV sites in pregnancyTechniques for rapid large-bore cannulationIndications and steps for IO accessCrystalloids vs colloids in obstetricsFluid responsiveness and overload signsLesson 6Immediate team communication, role assignment, and documentation in the first 10 minutesThis section emphasises structured team communication, quick role allocation, closed-loop exchanges, and real-time documentation in the first ten minutes of maternal resuscitation to boost coordination, safety, and legal safeguards.
Pre-arrival brief and role allocationClosed-loop and graded assertivenessRunning updates and shared mental modelReal-time charting and time stampingDebriefing and learning after eventsLesson 7Systematic ABCDE approach in obstetric haemorrhageThis section adapts the ABCDE framework to obstetric haemorrhage, noting pregnancy physiology, airway and breathing focus, circulation management, disability checks, exposure, and links to definitive haemorrhage control.
Airway risks in late pregnancyBreathing assessment and oxygen targetsCirculation, bleeding control, and shockNeurologic status and glucose checksExposure, hypothermia, and hidden bleedingLesson 8Infection control, warming, and thermal management in shocked parturientsThis section outlines infection control, active warming, and thermal strategies for shocked pregnant and postpartum patients, focusing on preventing hypothermia, equipment choices, and integration with resuscitation.
Hand hygiene and barrier precautionsAseptic technique for lines and proceduresActive and passive patient warmingMonitoring temperature and avoiding burnsEnvironmental control in emergency baysLesson 9Blood product management when supply is limited: transfusion thresholds, O-negative use, group & cross alternativesThis section tackles efficient blood product use in shortages, covering transfusion thresholds, massive transfusion principles, O-negative and O-positive strategies, group and screen methods, and prioritisation during high demand.
Transfusion thresholds in obstetricsMassive transfusion ratios and triggersSafe use of uncrossmatched O bloodGroup, screen, and crossmatch optionsPrioritizing products during shortagesLesson 10Vital signs monitoring: invasive and noninvasive options and interpretation in pregnancyThis section reviews invasive and noninvasive monitoring in pregnancy, such as blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, urine output, and arterial lines, addressing interpretation challenges from normal pregnancy changes.
Normal pregnancy vital sign rangesNoninvasive monitoring strengths and limitsIndications for invasive arterial linesUrine output and organ perfusionEarly warning scores for obstetrics
