How to Launch OB Emergency Drills and Team Training — Even with Limited Resources

Obstetric emergencies such as shoulder dystocia, postpartum hemorrhage, or eclampsia may be rare, but when they happen, the stakes are extremely high. A delay in recognizing these conditions or miscommunication among team members can be a matter of life and death for mother and baby. That’s why obstetric emergency drills are essential for every hospital.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requires hospitals to establish protocols and training plans for obstetric emergencies. Meeting these standards doesn’t always mean investing in expensive simulation labs or specialty mannequins. By being creative and strategically using existing resources, administrators can develop effective, team-based maternal safety training programs that enhance readiness, improve outcomes, and ensure compliance — all without overspending.

“The key to effective OB emergency training isn’t expensive technology — it’s creating a culture where staff feel safe to learn, speak up, and practice together,” said Lora Sparkman, MHA, BSN, RN, Partner, Clinical Solutions, VP Patient Safety and Quality at Relias. “That’s how organizations transform drills into real improvements in maternal safety.”

Start small: Simulation doesn’t have to mean high-tech

When people hear “simulation,” they often picture advanced training facilities. While these resources are helpful, they aren’t the only way to train staff for OB emergencies.

• Tabletop exercises are an excellent starting point. These discussion-based sessions help teams navigate hypothetical scenarios, allowing them to identify gaps in protocols and communication in a low-pressure setting.
• Role-playing and case-based discussions can also be highly effective. Assign team members different roles (OB, nurse, anesthesiologist, etc.) and simulate a real or hypothetical emergency. Debrief afterward to evaluate what went well and identify areas for improvement.
• Free online videos and clinical vignettes are valuable resources. Organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) provide case studies, toolkits, and recorded simulations that can foster discussion and reinforce best practices.

By starting with small steps and maintaining regular practice, leaders can develop meaningful obstetric emergency preparedness experiences that strengthen emergency preparedness without requiring significant investment.

Make it interdisciplinary

Obstetrical emergencies rarely occur alone. They usually involve multiple teams like OB/GYNs, nurses, anesthesiologists, ED staff, and neonatologists. Effective drills should mirror this complexity.

Including all stakeholders in exercises ensures that everyone understands their role, knows how to escalate care, and practices communicating clearly under pressure. The Joint Commission has identified poor communication, especially during patient handoffs, as a leading cause of harmful medical errors.

Even if it’s not feasible to gather every discipline at once, administrators can rotate different groups through scenarios and then consolidate insights in cross-disciplinary debriefings. This method enhances collaboration and helps break down silos between departments.

Build a just culture for drills

The goal of an emergency drill is not to catch staff making mistakes — it’s to create a safe space for learning. That’s why establishing a just culture is so important.

• Encourage psychological safety: Staff should feel comfortable asking questions, admitting uncertainty, and trying out responses during a drill. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) provides strategies for fostering psychological safety in teams.
• Debriefing is key: After each exercise, hold a structured debrief where participants reflect on what went well, what was challenging, and how protocols could be improved. The TeamSTEPPS® framework from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) offers practical tools for conducting debriefs and improving teamwork.

When drills are presented as supportive and collaborative, participation increases, and the quality of insights improves.

Leverage what you already have

Many hospitals already conduct mock codes, trauma drills, or ACLS training, and administrators can build on these existing frameworks to enhance OB preparedness.

• Existing mock code teams: Include OB staff in hospital-wide mock code drills or tailor them to focus on OB-specific emergencies such as maternal cardiac arrest or massive hemorrhage.
• Cross-training: Skills acquired in trauma drills — like rapid transfusion protocols or airway management — are very useful in obstetric emergencies. Emphasizing these links helps staff see the connection and gain confidence.
• Low-cost scheduling strategies: Include short drills or tabletop exercises in daily shift huddles, staff meetings, or change-of-shift gatherings. Even a quick scenario run-through can reinforce protocols and enhance retention over time.

By re-purposing existing training frameworks, administrators can extend the impact of their current programs without significant new spending.

Resources to explore

Healthcare leaders don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Several organizations provide guidance, checklists, and training aids to support OB emergency preparedness. For example:

• ACOG: Clinical toolkits, practice bulletins, and protocols.
• AWHONN’s POST-BIRTH Warning Signs toolkit and educational modules.
• AHRQ TeamSTEPPS: Free tools for building stronger communication and teamwork.
• The Joint Commission: Sentinel event alerts and safety recommendations.
• Relias Obstetrics Solution: Personalized, data-driven learning for OB clinicians.

Final thoughts

Obstetrical emergencies are rare, but when they happen, every second matters. Acute care leaders have a vital role in making sure staff are prepared, confident, and able to work together quickly. By starting small, promoting interdisciplinary training, encouraging a just culture, and using existing resources, organizations can build strong obstetric emergency preparedness programs that meet CMS requirements and, most importantly, protect mothers and babies. With creativity and dedication, even resource-limited settings can develop a culture of readiness that saves lives.