When Every Moment Matters Most: OB Simulations at UAB St. Vincent’s

In obstetrics, emergencies can unfold in seconds. Two of the most high-stakes scenarios—postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and precipitous delivery—were the focus of recent simulations conducted by the UAB Mobile Simulation team at UAB St. Vincent’s hospitals. 

To bring realism to the training, the team partnered with a standardized patient (SP) who portrayed a laboring mother. This human element added nuance and urgency, giving providers the chance to practice not only clinical response but also compassionate communication under stress. 

In the PPH scenario, teams identified and treated heavy maternal bleeding while working to stabilize the patient. In the precipitous delivery, learners were challenged to manage a birth that progressed too quickly for standard preparations. Across both cases, participants practiced teamwork, clear role assignment, rapid assessment and evidence-based interventions. 

By rotating through roles, clinicians strengthened their ability to anticipate needs, communicate effectively and stay composed in the face of obstetric emergencies. The use of an SP ensured the training mirrored real patient encounters, reminding teams that while the protocols are critical, so is the patient’s experience. 

These simulations reinforce UAB Mobile Simulation’s mission: to prepare providers for the rare but critical moments when skilled teamwork and swift action can make all the difference for mother and child. 

UAB Medicine’s Clinical Simulation program offers opportunities for individuals and teams across UAB Medicine and beyond to practice before they deliver care. The UAB Mobile Simulation program is part of the services offered through the Alabama Rural Health Collaborative (ARHC) We encourage all who provide and support patient care to “Sim First.” Together, we can put our patients’ safety first.