Paramedic Team Case Study

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Saunders (2012) states that the treatment of a breech delivery requires the paramedic team to work simultaneously and efficiently to perform several interventions. He states that the paramedic team should undertake a primary survey and introduce themselves to the patient on arrival. From the initial patient contact, the paramedics should begin providing reassurance to the patient and their family, both verbally and non-verbally (Saunders, 2012). Reassurance aims to reduce patient anxiety, create a rapport with the patient and encourage an environment of care, respect and understanding (Pincus et al., 2013). The paramedic team should complete a secondary survey, including vital signs and a complete patient history, particularly pregnancy relevant …show more content…

Ensure the delivery area is clean, out of public view to maintain the mother’s dignity, covered in absorbent material to prevent contamination of blood and faeces and drape in vaginal area appropriately with towelling (Bledsoe, Porter & Cherry, 2013). Paramedics should take a set of baseline vital signs, while simultaneously preparing the rest of the required equipment (Saunders, 2012). QAS (2014) suggests preparing a maternity kit, blankets, towels, oxygen and a resuscitation area. They state that once breech is suspected and due to the increased risk of asphyxia during delivery, the preparation for neonatal resuscitation should be a priority. If time permits the paramedic team will wear sterile gloves, gown and face shield or goggles (Bledsoe, Porter & Cherry, …show more content…

He also suggested drying the neonate and providing tactile stimulation to encourage breathing, and covering with a dry blanket to maintain warmth. If after thirty seconds of tactile stimulation, the neonate’s breathing is not sufficient, paramedics should follow protocol for newborn resuscitation, see appendix (L) (QAS, 2014; Saunders, 2012). If the neonate is breathing adequately, leave the newborn with the mother and encourage breastfeeding, which stimulates the nipple resulting in a release of oxytocin which promotes uterine contractions (Stables & Rankin,

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