Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

9 Other Emergencies

First Aid for Emergency Childbirth Stage 2 – Active Labour • Prepare for the delivery by gathering the materials you will need such as clean towels and sheets. • Unless the patient prefers a different position, place her on her back with her head supported and her knees bent. • Reassure the patient and encourage her to breathe and relax. Help remove any clothing and undergarments below the waist. Try to have a family member or friend of the patient help with this. If none are available, a female bystander may help put the patient at ease. • Place a thick, absorbent material like folded towels under the patient from her lower back to her knees.

• Drape the lower body with a sheet or similar that can be easily lifted to check the progress of labour. • Wash your arms, hands and under your fingernails thoroughly. Wear gloves. • When the top of the baby’s head becomes visible, advise the patient to begin pushing with the contractions.

baby crowning

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