EMS Perinatal Readiness
The Florida Prehospital Perinatal Readiness Recognition Program is designed to recognize and strengthen the capacity of emergency medical services (EMS) agencies to respond to peripartum emergencies. The program supports improved maternal and neonatal outcomes by promoting key elements of perinatal readiness, including:
Established protocols and policies for perinatal emergency response
Provider education and training related to pregnant, postpartum, and newborn patients
Collaboration between EMS agencies, hospitals, and maternity care partners
Quality assurance and improvement practices for perinatal care
Referral pathways and care coordination resources, including the Florida Telehealth Maternity Care Program
Through this recognition program, FPQC aims to support timely, coordinated, and high-quality care for perinatal patients across Florida.
Agencies are eligible for a three-year designation in one of the following two tiers: Perinatal Ready and Advanced Perinatal Ready.
Why Should My Agency Apply?
Formal acknowledgement through certificates and public announcements
Increased credibility and trust from patients and healthcare partners
Eligibility for grants or funding opportunities related to maternal health initiatives
Access to specialized continuing education resources
Increased awareness of resources available to support EMS agencies in connecting women to non-emergent care when appropriate
Access the Perinatal Ready Program Guide Here
Apply for Perinatal Readiness Recognition Here
Contact the Florida Prehospital Perinatal Readiness Recognition Program Committee via fpqc@usf.edu
This recognition program was created by a partnership between the Florida Association of EMS Medical Directors, Florida EMS Advisory Council, Florida Center for EMS, the Florida Emergency Nurses Association, and the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative.
Resources
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ACOG Identifying and Managing Obstetric Emergencies in Nonobstetric Settings – EMS Model Guidelines endorsed by the National Association of EMS Physicians, NAEMT, and the Paramedic Foundation
Postpartum Hemorrhage
Elevated Blood Pressure in Pregnancy and Postpartum
Eclampsia
EMS Information Sheet
EMS Sample Protocol Hypertension and Seizures in Pregnancy and Postpartum Periods
AAP and American Heart Association Neonatal Resuscitation Protocol
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Florida Center for EMS: Obstetrics for Prehospital Professionals – Self-paced online module
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Florida Telehealth Maternity Care Program – any woman in Florida at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes is eligible for this no-cost telehealth program that provides enhanced services during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum
Healthy Start CONNECT – connect families to prenatal, newborn, and parenting resources
FL BH IMPACT – maternal and perinatal mental health resources
Provider consultation line: 833-951-0296 available Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm ET