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First Stage Fetal Bradycardia

Drill Description

Assesses: identification and response to fetal heart rate abnormalities; emergent intrapartum transport systems; communication with patient and other personnel.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify and respond to fetal heart rate abnormalities in the context of intermittent auscultation in planned community birth.
  • Review steps of intrapartum emergency transport and test transport systems in a simulated emergency.
  • Communicate openly and effectively with the patient, support people, and additional healthcare personnel in the event of intrapartum emergencies and transport.
Publish Data

Authored by:

Amy Romano, MBA, MSN, CNM, FACNM

Reviewed by:

Alexa Dougherty, MSN, PHN, CNM
Wendy Gordon, DM, MPH, CPM
Jen Johnson, MSN, CNM

Last updated: July 2024


Will you be coordinating a partial or full transfer drill?

Set up for the Step Up Together drills depends on whether you plan to run a Partial Transfer Drill or a Full Transfer Drill. Select which type of drill you will be coordinating and follow the instructions in the following sections.

Need help deciding which type of drill to run? Watch our video on Running Full or Partial Transfer Drills.

Partial Transfer Drill


What is it?

An emergency drill of a clinical scenario that requires transfer, but participants are only practicing part of the scenario: either the part that happens in the community before hospitalization, or the arrival at the hospital and post-transfer management.

Who's involved?

Minimum of two individuals from a practice, up to the full practice/facility, with or without collaborating partners present.

Planning Needs

Can be impromptu with a small group or scheduled in advance at regular times, for which participation should be compensated.

Full Transfer Drill


What is it?

An emergency drill of a clinical scenario that requires transfer and participants practice all phases of the transfer: care in the community, emergency transport, and arrival and management at the hospital.

Who's involved?

Full practice/facility team from the community birth setting, plus transport and hospital personnel.

Planning Needs

Requires coordination and advanced planning with community practice, EMS, and hospital teams. Compensate for time to participate.


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Access everything you need to run a First Stage Fetal Bradycardia drill.