Mobile Simulation delivers shoulder dystocia sim to Russell Medical

Some emergencies you can see coming. Shoulder dystocia isn’t one of them. 

On June 11, the UAB Mobile Simulation team partnered with Russell Medical Center in Alexander City, Ala., for a hybrid immersive simulation built around exactly that scenario—a standardized patient combined with a birthing trainer, giving seven registered nurses an hour to work through prompt recognition, urgent team communication and evidence-based management of a shoulder dystocia emergency.

Dr. Sharon Phelan, UAB Medicine adjunct professor, served as content expert for the training. 

“It’s a low-frequency, high-impact event, which is exactly what makes it worth rehearsing,” said mobile simulation coordinator Mercedees Willis, D.N.P. Every learner who took part said the experience will improve how they respond in the actual clinical setting.” 

Madolyn Bice, R.N., is one of them. 

“We valued the hands-on opportunity to practice shoulder dystocia reduction techniques and strengthen our skills using the evidence-based approaches learned during the simulation,” Bice said. 

The debrief surfaced real, usable takeaways: keep a stepstool within reach for at-risk patients, assign someone to retrieve it, put a timekeeper on the clock to mark when the fetal head delivers, and clarify how escalation should look when night shift coverage varies. The team also reinforced what’s already working, specifically early escalation the moment dystocia is suspected, clear communication of patient status and a willingness to switch roles as the situation demands. 

“Practice like this doesn’t just build individual confidence,” Willis said. “It builds a team that already knows what to do before the real moment ever arrives.” 

UAB Medicine’s Clinical Simulation program offers opportunities for individuals and teams across UAB Medicine and beyond to practice before they deliver care. We encourage all who provide and support patient care to “Sim First.” Together, we can put our patients’ safety first.