[Perinatal Emergencies in Emergency Medical Aid - Obstetric Emergencies Series, Part 4]

As far as prehospital but in part also clinical obstetrics is concerned, the acute nature of perinatal emergencies is overshadowed by limited diagnostic and therapeutic options. The need for acute and targeted intervention may result from both maternal and fetal indications. As common in emergency services for pregnant women, prehospital primary assessment and logistics management (e.g., transport time/type, choice of destination) define the prognosis. Non-specific emergencies coincident to pregnancy are to be distinguished from perinatal emergencies caused by expecting a child (hypertensive pregnancy disorders, perinatal bleeding, thrombosis, and embolism). In order to cope with rare and unpredictable emergencies, medical teams profit from standardized algorithms to support a high quality of prehospital care. Extensive information and training concepts are essential. The presented series on obstetric emergencies introduces the required knowledge and skills.