Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

9 Other Emergencies

First aid - Miscarriage • Place the patient on their back or left side. • Do not apply pressure. Use dressings, clean towels or sheets to absorb any bleeding and discharge from the vagina. • Give first aid for shock. First aid for a miscarriage focuses on providing care for shock (See Chapter 4, Circulation and Shock) and providing reassurance and comfort for the patient. Provide the patient with privacy from any bystanders and offer emotional support. Activate 911 right away.

Remember that a miscarriage can be a very traumatic experience for a patient, both physically and emotionally. Try to have a family member or friend present to help comfort the patient. The patient may feel they are somehow responsible for the miscarriage. Reassure her that she is not at fault.

• Provide comfort and reassurance. • Give ongoing care to hand over.

• Save any blood or tissue stained dressings and give to medical personnel for examination by the hospital.

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