Which of the following best describes the role of rapid transport in postpartum hemorrhage management?

• A. Delaying transport to observe vitals
• B. Transport without airway management
• C. Rapid transport to definitive care while providing care per protocol
• D. Transport only after lab results

Answer: (C)

In postpartum hemorrhage, time to definitive care is the most critical factor. The best approach is rapid transport to a facility that can provide definitive treatment while continuing care according to your protocol. This means starting and maintaining essential interventions right away—airway and breathing support as needed, establishing IV access, initiating fluid resuscitation per protocol, and applying any hemorrhage-control measures and medications your protocol calls for (such as uterotonics or TXA) while en route. Get the patient to a facility with obstetric capability quickly so they can receive blood products, surgical intervention, or interventional radiology as needed.

Delaying transport to observe vitals can give a false sense of security as bleeding may worsen quickly. Skipping airway management when needed endangers the patient, and waiting for lab results can waste precious time because treatment decisions often depend on the patient’s current status, not on labs that take time to return.