How should you respond to a pregnant patient with vaginal bleeding in the third trimester?

How should you respond to a pregnant patient with vaginal bleeding in the third trimester?

• A. Move the patient to a seated position to ease loading.
• B. Administer labor-inducing medications on scene.
• C. Transport promptly with the patient seated to reduce load.
• D. Monitor, provide supportive care, and transport promptly; avoid loading the patient in a seated position.

Answer: (D)

In third-trimester vaginal bleeding, treat it as an obstetric emergency where the priorities are to protect mother and fetus and get to definitive care quickly. On scene, monitor vital signs, provide supportive care (oxygen as needed, keep her warm, control obvious external bleeding), and transport promptly to a facility equipped for obstetric evaluation. Avoid loading the patient in a seated position because it can hinder airway management and venous return, potentially worsening perfusion during transport. Keep her stable on the stretcher in a position that supports breathing and circulation (often with a left-side tilt if feasible) while continuing assessment. Do not attempt labor-inducing measures on scene and don’t delay transport.

In third-trimester vaginal bleeding, treat it as an obstetric emergency where the priorities are to protect mother and fetus and get to definitive care quickly. On scene, monitor vital signs, provide supportive care (oxygen as needed, keep her warm, control obvious external bleeding), and transport promptly to a facility equipped for obstetric evaluation. Avoid loading the patient in a seated position because it can hinder airway management and venous return, potentially worsening perfusion during transport. Keep her stable on the stretcher in a position that supports breathing and circulation (often with a left-side tilt if feasible) while continuing assessment. Do not attempt labor-inducing measures on scene and don’t delay transport.