High risk obstetrics in the pre-hospital setting - Managing an APH in flight

Presented by Christopher Wildey

A 25-year-old woman who is 30 weeks pregnant presents to Coonamble Hospital with an Antepartum Haemorrhage. She is not in labour but the bleeding has been regular throughout the day with associated abdominal pain. NSW Air Ambulance is tasked to transfer her to Sydney for ongoing management. In flight the woman deteriorates with continuing bleeding and the flight nurse is forced to divert to Dubbo where blood is urgently available. It is later discovered that the antepartum haemorrhage is secondary to placental abruption. The case study will define and examine the pre-hospital management of an antepartum haemorrhage and discuss logistical considerations that arise from managing obstetrics in an isolated setting.

**Biography: **

Christopher is the Nurse Unit Manager of NSW Air Ambulance in Mascot, Sydney. He has 18 years of critical care nursing experience having worked in the Intensive Care Unit of St George Hospital Sydney, many Intensive Therapy Units in London, England and 10 years as a Flight Nurse with NSW Air Ambulance. Christopher joined NSW Ambulance in 2005. He became a qualified Paramedic P1 in 2006 and was based at Mascot station in Sydney. In 2009 Christopher completed his Master of Science (Midwifery) and soon after commenced work within NSW Ambulance Aeromedical division as a Flight Nurse. For many years, Christopher has lectured in Obstetrics at the NSW Ambulance State Headquarters. He has lectured to new Paramedics, Intensive Care Paramedics and Special Operations.

This presentation was part of ANZCP2018 Sydney on 23rd & 24th August 2018.