Emergency medical team interventions in Poland during out-of-hospital deliveries: A retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Emergency medical teams are a crucial component of healthcare systems, routinely providing essential care to pregnant patients in various situations. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the rate and outcomes of out-of-hospital deliveries attended by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Poland and identify areas for improvement in the care provided by emergency medical teams. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study was based on 41,335 EMS emergency calls to women in advanced pregnancy, of which 879 births were delivered directly by medical teams between January 2018 and December 2022. Data were obtained from the Polish National Monitoring Center for Emergency Medical Services, encompassing all EMS interventions in Poland. RESULTS: The study involved 879 EMS team interventions for pregnant women, with an average patient age of 29.87 years. Most patients were in their 2nd pregnancy (28.26%) and delivering for the 2nd time (25.77%). The postnatal condition of newborns, assessed using the Apgar score, was missing in 408 cases (46.52%) due to incorrect completion of documentation. Emergency Medical Services teams, predominantly P-type (basic) teams, handled 69.78% of deliveries, while S-type (specialist) teams were involved in 30.22% of cases. Medical procedures often performed during childbirth included manual assistance in spontaneous delivery, pulse oximetry, physical examination, examination of systemic blood pressure, obtaining peripheral intravenous access, and gynecological examination. CONCLUSIONS: Given the rate of encountered cases and the gaps identified in medical documentation, there is merit in potentially implementing a dedicated form to be completed by medical teams when caring for a pregnant patient. Ongoing training and enhancements in the range of assistance provided to the mother and newborn are imperative for ensuring appropriate care.

EMS Interventions during Planned Out-of-Hospital Births with a Midwife: A Retrospective Analysis over Four Years in the Polish Population.

Planned out-of-hospital births, facilitated by highly skilled and experienced midwives, offer expectant parents a distinct opportunity to partake in a personalized, intimate, and empowering birth experience. Many parents opt for the care provided by midwives who specialize in supporting home births. This retrospective study is based on 41,335 EMS emergency calls to women in advanced pregnancy, of which 209 concerned home birth situations documenting obstetrical emergencies over four years (January 2018 to December 2022), of which 60 involved the assistance of a midwife. Data were obtained from the Polish Central System for Emergency Medical Services Missions Monitoring, encompassing all EMS interventions in pregnant women. The most frequent reason for emergency calls for obstetrical emergencies with the assistance of a midwife was a failure to separate the placenta or incomplete afterbirth (18 cases; 30%), followed by perinatal haemorrhage (12 cases; 20%) and deterioration of the newborn's condition (8 cases; 13%). Paramedic-staffed EMS teams conducted most interventions (43 cases; 72%), with only 17 (28%) involving the presence of a physician. Paramedics with extensive medical training and the ability to provide emergency care are in a unique position that allows them to play a pivotal role in supporting planned out-of-hospital births. The analysed data from 2018-2022 show that EMS deliveries in Poland are infrequent and typically uncomplicated. Continuing education, training, and adequate funding are required to ensure the EMS is ready to provide the best care. EMS medical records forms should be adapted to the specific aspects of care for pregnant patients and newborns.