TOPIC: Perinatal Emergency Preparedness for Rural EMS and Community Hospitals
DATE/TIME: November 18, 2025 @10:00am - 12:00pm
DESCRIPTION: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has updated the Emergency Services Conditions of Participation (CoP) with new obstetrical service requirements for hospitals with Emergency Departments (EDs). These new standards, effective July 1, 2025, apply to all EDs—including those in hospitals without dedicated obstetrical (OB) services—and are designed to ensure readiness for obstetric-related emergencies. The key requirements include the use of evidence-based protocols, annual staff training, emergency provisions, transfer protocols and maternal mental health. The purpose of this presentation is to introduce learners to the Regional Perinatal Program in New York State as a resource for hospitals and emergency medical services that are working towards meeting these requirements.
OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this presentation, learners will be able to
- Define Perinatal Regionalization in NYS with a focus on WNY
- Examine the geographic distribution and functional roles of Regional Perinatal Programs in New York State within the context of an evolving healthcare landscape
- Assess the readiness of rural EDs and EMS teams to respond to perinatal emergencies
- Bridge the gaps of Perinatal Education to first responders and ED teams through use of checklists, emergency delivery kits and in-situ simulation based training
- Enhance Interdisciplinary Communication by identifying roles and responsibilities in managing emergencies
- Increase awareness of escalation and transport protocols using the Maternal and Neonatal Hotlines
- Expand access to foundational training: STABLE, NRP, FHM and skills applications with team-based practice
PRESENTERS:
-Sharon Barron, BSN, RN, CPN, C-ONQS – Manager, Regional Perinatal Program – John R Oishei Children’s Hospital
-Michelle Szefler, BSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, C-OBE – Obstetrical Outreach Coordinator, Regional Perinatal Program - John R Oishei Children’s Hospital
-Ashley LaBruno, BSN, RN - Neonatal Outreach Coordinator, Regional Perinatal Program - John R Oishei Children’s Hospital