Addressing Maternity Care Deserts: Applying NAEMT and ACOG Guidelines to Real-World EMS Protocols
A maternity care desert is defined as a county that has no hospital or birthing facility. According to the March of Dimes 2024 Report, 35% of all counties within the United States fall into this category. As a result, women in need of obstetric care face an average travel time of 38 minutes to reach the nearest hospital with inpatient obstetrical services. This delay is linked to a 13% increased risk of preterm birth and a 14% higher risk of receiving inadequate prenatal care. These access gaps are increasing the frequency and complexity of OB-related EMS calls. Longer transport times, higher acuity, and unpredictable complications now demand more from EMS professionals than ever before. In response, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), in collaboration with NAEMT, has released recommendations and resources to help guide EMS professionals in managing this patient population. In this class, we will explore how EMS professionals can effectively respond and realistically apply these recommendations–even in the most resource-limited departments. We will cover strategies for OB assessment skills, identifying red flags, how to prioritize what medications to carry, and advocating for protocol changes that reflect today’s maternal health landscape.
*Eligible for CEH/CAPCE Credit
