Evaluation of a Novel Course in Pre-Hospital Emergency Obstetrics for US Army Special Forces Medics [11G

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: US Army Special Forces Medics are highly trained medics that are deployed around the world. They receive training not only in trauma medicine, but in all other aspects of medicine. One field they receive minimal training in is obstetric emergency management. The Advanced Training in Obstetrics for Medics (ATOM) course, created at the US military installation Fort Bragg in 2018, was designed to augment training in management of obstetric emergencies for first responders, both civilian and military, through a novel, interactive, high-fidelity, hands-on approach. METHODS: Pre- and post- ATOM course assessments were administered to Special Forces Medics at Fort Bragg, NC. The assessments were identical, and evaluated basic knowledge of obstetric emergency management and confidence levels in approaching obstetric incidents. Results were compared using an independent sample t-test. In our analysis, we assess the mean of the two. RESULTS: Twenty-eight medics participated in the ATOM course and completed the pre-ATOM and post-ATOM course assessments. Participants overall scored higher on the knowledge-based post-ATOM assessment than on the pre-ATOM assessment, a statistically significant improvement of 30% (P<.001). As for the confidence-based pre-ATOM and post-ATOM assessment, a statistically significant improvement was also seen of 25% (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Worldwide maternal morbidity and mortality must be addressed at all levels of healthcare. The Advanced Training in Obstetrics for Medics (ATOM) course, an unprecedented training course designed specifically for first responders, has undoubtedly been shown to improve both first responders’ ability to manage obstetric emergencies and their confidence in approaching these emergencies.