Enhancing Maternal Care at Ascension St. Vincent’s Blount, St. Clair

In a collaborative effort on June 14, June 21 and June 27, the UAB Mobile Simulation team partnered with Ascension St. Vincent’s St. Clair and Ascension St. Vincent’s Blount to conduct a specialized simulation addressing critical obstetric emergencies. The focus was on managing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and severe hypertensive emergencies in pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia.

Co-facilitated by Dr. Sharon Phelan, adjunct professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in UAB’s Heersink School of Medicine, the simulation engaged several health-care professionals, including registered nurses, patient care technicians and emergency medical technicians. Participants navigated through realistic scenarios, honing their skills in early identification, prompt intervention and the use of essential tools, like uterotonics and Bakri balloons, for hemorrhage control. 

“In the case of OB, so many services are being removed from rural hospitals,” said Heather Swindle, R.N., director of nursing clinical programs for Ascension St. Vincent’s. “We have a robust education department, but having UAB Mobile Simulation visit is excellent, because our main campus OB department isn’t always able to extend education to us.” 

Key outcomes from the simulation included a heightened awareness of institution-specific resources, such as blood product availability and a structured approach to assessing obstetric emergencies using the 4Ts framework (Tone, Tissue, Trauma, Thrombin). Debriefing sessions highlighted the importance of swift and coordinated responses to enhance maternal outcomes. 

“These simulations not only strengthened clinical competencies but also reinforced the commitment of St. Vincent’s St. Clair and St. Vincent’s Blount to advancing maternal health through continuous education and preparedness,” said Mercedees Willis, mobile simulation coordinator with UAB Clinical Simulation. “As health-care providers continue to refine their skills and protocols, the focus remains on delivering optimal care during obstetric emergencies, ensuring safer outcomes for mothers and infants alike.” 

Learn more about UAB Mobile Simulation here.