UNC Health Blue Ridge Partners with McDowell County EMS to Strengthen Obstetric Emergency Preparedness

UNC Health Blue Ridge’s Women’s and Children’s Services team recently partnered with McDowell County Emergency Medical Services to provide education on obstetric emergencies and emergency readiness related to pregnancy.

The session, led by Michele Woods, Director of Women’s and Children’s Services, and Heather Vess, Nurse Manager, focused on helping paramedics recognize early warning signs and respond quickly when pregnancy-related emergencies arise. About 50 paramedics attended the presentation, which was well-received and sparked strong engagement and discussion.

“Obstetric emergencies can escalate rapidly,” Woods said. “Education and drills help teams recognize early warning signs and act quickly. Anticipation and readiness lead to faster interventions, better patient outcomes, and high-reliability teams.”

Attendees shared positive feedback and asked thoughtful questions throughout the session. The presentation was recorded and will be shared with additional EMS staff, extending the impact beyond those who attended in person.

Building on this momentum, UNC Health Blue Ridge and McDowell County EMS are planning hands-on simulation stations later this year, allowing paramedics to practice both obstetric and neonatal emergency scenarios. McDowell County EMS has also invited the Women’s and Children’s Services team to present on obstetric emergencies at McDowell Technical Community College.

The collaboration extends beyond McDowell County. Woods and Vess recently conducted an obstetric emergency drill in UNC Health Blue Ridge’s Emergency Department in partnership with Burke County EMS. The team will also be meeting with Caldwell County EMS to coordinate additional simulations and training.

“This was an awesome collaboration,” Woods said. “We are proud to support our community through education, partnership, and shared commitment to patient safety.”

Through continued collaboration with regional EMS partners, UNC Health Blue Ridge remains focused on strengthening emergency preparedness and ensuring the highest level of care for mothers and babies across the region.