Are you prepared for an OB emergency? In this special six-part podcast series, the Ohio CORES team at The Ohio State University explores the management of pregnant and postpartum women in emergency situations. Each episode focuses on a high-stakes obstetrics scenarios, including: 1) maternal morbidity and mortality, 2) postpartum hemorrhage, 3) hypertensive emergencies, 4) cardiac arrest in pregnant patients, 5) peripartum cardiomyopathy, and 6) complicated vaginal deliveries. Whether you’re in the field, ED, ICU, or on L&D, this series equips you with the knowledge to respond when seconds count.

Ohio CORES (Collaborative Obstetric Resuscitation Education and Simulation) is an interdisciplinary team of educators from The Ohio State University dedicated to improving care for pregnant and postpartum women in critical condition  through high-impact education and simulation training. Supported by funding from the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, Ohio CORES delivers obstetric emergency education to healthcare providers across the state.

In this special episode of Crash Cart EM, we dive into postpartum hemorrhage, a leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in Ohio and globally. We’ll discuss definitions, common causes, and clinical signs. You’ll also learn key management strategies, including assessing blood loss, fundal massage, medications, and advanced interventions like Bakri balloons and surgical options.

Guests: Katie Connell, RN, BSN, C-EFM, CLC; Nicole McGarity, MHI, BSN, RN, CEN
Host: Jennifer Mitzman, MD
Editors: Cynthia Shellhaas, MD, MPH; Kim Bambach, MD

1. Definition & Timing

2. Causes: The 4 T’s

3. Recognition

4. Estimating Blood Loss

5. Initial Management

6. Escalation

7. Special Considerations

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