This opening session will dive into the AIM Obstetric Emergency Readiness Resource Toolkit, outlining the 5 R’s, defining key components of readiness, and assessing facility-level current-state readiness. The session will focus on the challenges unique to rural settings and provide actionable strategies for navigating staffing and transfer capacity issues, communities without access to maternity care, and low-volume delivery settings.

Session Objectives:

1. Describe the key components of the AIM Obstetrical Emergency Readiness Resource Toolkit, including the 5 R’s and the foundational elements of obstetrical emergency readiness.
2. Identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities to improve obstetrical emergency readiness within their organization’s current systems, considering challenges unique to rural care settings.
3. Assess current obstetrical emergency readiness and identify challenges related to staffing, transfer capacity, maternity care access, and low-volume delivery environments.

Presenter: 

• Lisa Mattson, MD | Minnesota Medical Association

Recognition of obstetrical emergencies is a key component of quality care. This session will discuss maternal early warning criteria (MEWS/MEWT), recommended escalation pathways, and provide strategies to implement documentation and communication triggers. Through this discussion, participants will be provided with actionable strategies to improve emergency recognition and response, especially within Emergency Department settings.

Session Objectives:

1. Describe the role of maternal early warning criteria (MEWS/MEWT) and standardized escalation pathways in the early recognition and management of obstetrical emergencies.
2. Identify opportunities to strengthen documentation, communication, and escalation processes within their organization’s emergency response workflows, including Emergency Department settings.
3. Apply evidence-based strategies to support timely recognition, effective communication, and coordinated response to obstetrical emergencies across care teams.

Presenter: 

• Alex Harsha Bangura, MD | Lakewood Health System

This session will explore strategies to strengthen team coordination through clearly defined roles, structured communication tools such as prebriefs, huddles, and debriefs, as well as low-dose, high-frequency simulation practices that build confidence and readiness. Participants will identify opportunities to improve role clarity within their own teams and engage in interactive activities designed to practice coordinated emergency response in a supportive learning environment.

Session Objectives:

1. Describe the roles of prebriefs, huddles, debriefs, and role clarity in supporting effective obstetric emergency response.
2. Identify opportunities to strengthen teamwork, communication, and role coordination within their organization’s obstetric emergency response processes.
3. Apply strategies for incorporating low-dose, high-frequency simulation into routine practice to improve team readiness and confidence.

Presenter: 

• Keri Bergeson, MD | University of Minnesota Department of Family Medicine and Community Health

This session will highlight evidence-informed strategies for the initial stabilization of obstetric hemorrhage, hypertensive emergencies, and sepsis, while emphasizing structured communication and standardized transfer workflows. Participants will examine best practices for collaborating with emergency medical services (EMS) and referral centers, and work together to develop practical tools—such as transfer checklists and transfer packets—that promote safe, efficient transitions of care for pregnant and postpartum patients.

Session Objectives:

1. Describe evidence-informed approaches for the initial stabilization of obstetric hemorrhage, hypertensive emergencies, and sepsis before transfer.
2. Identify strategies to strengthen communication and coordination with EMS and referral facilities during obstetric emergency transfers.
3. Develop standardized transfer tools, such as checklists and transfer packets, to support safe, efficient transitions of care for pregnant and postpartum patients.

Presenter: 

• Rachel Pilliod, MD | Allina Health
• Johnna Nynas, MD | Sanford Health

This session will focus on strategies for standardizing hemorrhage readiness through organized hemorrhage carts, timely access to first- and second-line medications and blood products, and the use of checklists and visual aids to support clinical decision-making during emergencies. Participants will review practical examples from established quality improvement initiatives, discuss approaches to optimizing supply organization within their own settings, and collaborate on tools that promote consistent, reliable emergency preparedness.

Session Objectives:

1. Describe key components of standardized obstetric hemorrhage readiness, including organized hemorrhage carts, medication access, and clinical support tools.
2. Evaluate opportunities to improve the organization and accessibility of emergency supplies, medications, and blood products within their own care setting.
3. Develop practical strategies for implementing checklists, visual aids, and standardized supply processes to strengthen obstetric hemorrhage preparedness and response.

Presenter: 

• Lindsay Heath, BSN-RN | Sanford Thief River Falls

This session will explore practical approaches for strengthening identification, consultation, referral, and care coordination for patients experiencing perinatal mental health and/or substance use conditions. Participants will learn strategies for leveraging available psychiatric consultation and community resources to support timely and sustainable care in rural settings where specialty care access is limited.

Session Objectives:

1. Identify common barriers to accessing perinatal mental health and substance use care in rural communities and opportunities to address the gaps.
2. Describe strategies for accessing psychiatric consultation and specialty support when on-site mental health services are limited or unavailable.
3. Consider practical approaches to strengthen referral, care coordination, and follow-up for pregnant and postpartum women experiencing mental health or substance use concerns.

Presenter: 

• Coming Soon