The Obs QRH has been designed to be as simple and clear as possible.
Cover section: Easily identified in a crisis the cover section contains information designed to ensure the QRH is not taken away and is always returned safely to its storage point.
Contents page: Designed to enable users rapidly to locate a guideline within the QRH.
Instructions for use: A reminder of how to use the guidelines in a crisis.
Equipment page: A space to record the locations of key emergency equipment so they can be found in a crisis. The benefit of having this list on a single sheet is simplicity in implementation and to avoid having to make alterations or annotations to multiple guidelines.
The guidelines: These are separated into four sections:
Section 1: Obstetric Cardiac Arrest
Section 2: Maternal Collapse/Compromise
Section 3: Obstetric Emergencies
Section 4: Neonatal Emergencies
The following image demonstrates how the guidelines should be used:
- Guidance number, name and version number.
- A brief description of the clinical situation for which the guidance is written.
- The body of the guidance.
- Call out boxes, which may be referred to in the body text.
- Blue = drug doses
- Green = CPR information
- Black = equipment instructions
- Purple = other reference information
- Red = post-resuscitation / birth care
- Orange = *critical changes *Critical changes are not referred to in the body of the text
- Guidance may suggest changing to one of the other action cards, like this: → 2-1.
- The guidance number is repeated for easy finding without the need for a tabbed folder.
Each guidance should be used in the same simple way:
- Start at START.
- Work through the numbered bullet points in order.
- Where indicated, refer to the call out boxes on the right.
- Where indicated, move to another action card.
We recommend:
- Having a copy available in all clinical areas where birthing people are cared for.
- One person should read the guidance aloud; they should NOT be the person performing the actions.
- The reader should ensure that the guidance is followed systematically, thoroughly and completely and that steps are not omitted.
- Whenever experienced help arrives, consider delegating leadership to them; they have a fresh pair of eyes and may be able to make a more clear-headed assessment.
