During an emergency call, how can the EMD assist with childbirth?

The ability of the Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) to provide step-by-step instructions on delivery is crucial during an emergency childbirth situation. This assistance is particularly important because childbirth can often occur unexpectedly and rapidly, requiring immediate action before professional medical help arrives. The EMD is trained to guide the caller through the process, ensuring they understand what to do to keep both the mother and infant safe during delivery.

Such instructions encompass vital steps, including how to position the mother, when to prepare for the actual delivery, and what signs to watch for that indicate complications. This hands-on guidance can significantly improve outcomes and reduce anxiety for the expecting mother and those assisting her, which reinforces the importance of the EMD’s role during this critical moment.

While calming the expecting mother and recommending a hospital can be beneficial, these actions do not provide the immediate, practical support needed during the delivery process. Additionally, sending a doctor to the scene is often not feasible or timely in emergency situations. Thus, the most impactful way an EMD can assist during childbirth is by delivering those detailed, actionable instructions.