Management of Postpartum Hemorrhage in Critical Care Transport

Abstract

Postpartum hemorrhage is a relatively common and highly morbid complication of the postpartum period that often requires management by specialized providers at tertiary care facilities. Critical care transport teams may be tasked with transporting postpartum patients who are already experiencing postpartum hemorrhage, but they should also be aware that other peripartum patients may be at risk for developing postpartum hemorrhage while in the process of transport. As such, it is imperative that transport providers understand the signs, symptoms, causes, and complications of postpartum hemorrhage as well as the options for intervention and treatment. This article reviews the current clinical evidence regarding resuscitation and medical management strategies that transport teams should be familiar with as well as more advanced and invasive management techniques they may encounter and be expected to monitor during transport, such as balloon tamponade and aortic balloon occlusion.