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Disclosing this addressing a Press Conference on the occasion of commencement of Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) Certification program here in city on Tuesday at GVK EMRI’s office at Kompally, Dr. G.V. Ramana Rao, Head - Emergency Medicine Learning Centre (EMLC), GVK EMRI said GVK EMRI is licensed by American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) exclusively to conduct ALSO certification programs to doctors and other healthcare providers in India to develop and maintain knowledge and skills to effectively manage potential life threatening emergencies during delivery time (peri-natal period).
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Normally it is perceived that ‘Trauma’ is rated as number one emergency. But our experience says it is otherwise. Pregnancy is found to be the number one emergency. According to our internal studies, out of the 21800 emergencies responded every day by a fleet of over 5500 ambulances, nearly 9655 of them are pregnancy related (35%) amd 2576 are Road Traffic Accidents. Users of EMRI ambualance for pregranancy reasons are far more than other emergencies he said and added that as of October 6th, 2013 in Andhra Pradesh we have responded to 815 pregnancy related case, 235 Vehicular Traffice Related Accidents. This clearly proves that Pregnancy Related Emergency is far more bigger than than actually trauma related emergencies.
Speaking further, Dr.Ramana Rao added that EMRI team handles everyday 335 deliveries in ambulances in all the 15 states where it operates. Cumulatively till date 2.44 lakh deliveries happened in their ambulances. GVK EMRI ambulance emergency care contributedreduction 10 to 15% of Maternal Dealth by providing good care and support while transporting pregnancy women to the hospitals.
If these emergencies are not managed well on the way to hospital, we stand to lose many lives. 80% of maternal deaths can be prevented. Institutional delivery and skilled birth attendants can make a significance difference in Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) reduction. Lifesaving Obstetric skills will reduce MMR from the current 212 per 100,000 live births to less than 100 to achieve Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target for India, Dr. G. V. Ramana Rao said.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Raja Narsing Rao, National Consultant - Emergency Medicine Learning Centre (EMLC), GVI EMRI said ALSO program helps in managing maternal emergencies by evidence based interventions by certified doctors and other healthcare providers including nurses and paramedics.
Lifesaving obstetric skills reduce MMR and contribute in achieving MDG target in India. ALSO programs are now being conducted in over 62 countries. Instructors are certified by AAFP international trainers. International faculties are regularly involved in conducting ALSO training in India. Faculties at the specialized department of Emergency Medicine Learning Center (EMLC) at GVK EMRI are certified as ALSO Instructors by AAFP. In addition, senior practicing Obstetricians from leading hospitals in India are moreover involved as ALSO Instructors by International faculty directly, he observed.
Three ‘Delays’ - Delay in decision making; Delay in arranging Transport (Ambulance) and Delay in provision of Definite/Quality Care (Hospital) are the major causes of concern as far as Maternal Deaths are concerned, Dr. Raja Narsing Rao said.
ALSO is a two full-day program comprising skill-based workshops, case studies and lectures. Malpresentations, Assisted delivery, post-partum Hemorrhage, maternal resuscitation are some of the focus areas. The program additionally serves as an aid for training residents in obstetrics as well as family medicine. ALSO certificate is valid for 3 years. GVK EMRI and AAFP in addition, conduct ALSO instructor courses. GVK EMRI is the only institute in India which is given license to conduct AAFP global certification of ALSO and BLSO.
Dr Ann Evensen from AAFP and team will visit to train people across India. She along with visiting faculty of international trainers from AAFP has developed Instructors Teams at GVK EMRI to conduct ALSO programs in India. ALSO is a two-day structured evidence based and multi-disciplinary certificate training programs.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Ann Evensen said, “These innovative training programs will have huge benefit for doctors, residents and paramedic staff in the country and help the beneficiary pregnant women in critical emergency situations. ALSO helps pregnant women and children in emergency and contribute in reducing Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR). GVK EMRI is also planning to take this program to each and every corner of the country,”
While appreciating the phenomenal work of GVK EMRI, Dr. Ann Evensen expressed happiness to be associated in organizing ALSO programs in India through GVK EMRI platform and promised her support till a measurable impact is seen through these capacity building activities.
Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) helps doctors, midwives, nurses and other healthcare providers develop and maintain the knowledge and skills they need to effectively manage potential emergencies during the peri-natal period (during delivery).
ALSO program is administered in 62 countries already. With pre-course syllabus reading and minimal lecture time, this course offers an interactive learning environment utilizing pelvic mannequins and other appropriate medical equipment. Completion of this course awards ALSO Providers status for three years. As ALSO expands internationally, the current curriculum is modified for epidemiological, medical, technological, pedagogical and cultural contexts where ALSO is taught. The five leading causes of maternal mortality in the world viz., Hemorrhage, Infection, Unsafe abortion, eclampsia and obstructed labour are including in the ALSO curriculum. It has so far certified 237 in ALSO and 8300 in BLSO programs.
Birth manikins and simulation techniques are used in acquisition of life support skills. Assessment through standard practices with expected level of performance will result in award of life support skills certification.
In India, there is a strong need to have valid certified maternal care providers and doctors to manage pregnancy related complications. In fact life support in obstetrics should be available in all types of hospitals both in government and hospital as delivery can happen at any time and at any place if not properly timed. ALSO and BLSO certification courses offered at GVK EMRI and recognized by AAFP are boon to doctors, nurses and paramedics in India.
108’ GVK EMRI is providing emergency response services in 15 States and Union Territories at present. Out of the 21500 emergencies responded everyday 9000 of beneficiaries are pregnant women. All the 108 GVK EMRI ambulance based EMTs are getting trained in Basic Life Support in Obstetrics (BLSO) certification by AAFP. Thereby, helping about 335 mothers in emergency child birth every day the operating states, mostly in remote rural and in accessible areas. BLSO is a one day program with focus mal-presentations, hemorrhage after delivery. BLSO certification can be obtained by ANMs and other maternal care providers.
Dr Raja Narsing Rao, ([email protected]) (Mobile : 9000015818) is the contact person for GVK EMRI.
