Our Story
How we are helping to prevent maternal deaths
The maternal mortality rate in the United States is rising and ranks highest among developed countries. Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths. At the same time, it is reported that over eighty percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable with timely, appropriate care.
U.S. medical professionals lack national credentialing standards for managing maternal cardiac arrest. In comparison, cognitive and technical skill mastery for pediatric cardiac arrest is reviewed and tested as a part of basic and advanced life support courses, despite a lower pediatric-related mortality ratio (13.7 deaths per 100,000 (ages 5-14) for 2020) compared to the maternal mortality ratio (23.8 deaths per 100,000 for 2020).
Over fifty subject matter experts (SMEs) in obstetrics, education, and resuscitation convened to develop Obstetric Life Support (OBLS), the only level A evidence-based simulation training curriculum focused on preventing, recognizing, and treating maternal medical emergencies and maternal cardiac arrest.
Why take OBLS?
Hospital-based OBLS
Prehospital OBLS
Testimonials
"OBLS prepared me for one of the most critical situations an OBGYN can experience. When a patient arrived in maternal cardiac arrest, I didn’t hesitate and quickly remembered my OBLS training. I brought a scalpel to the Emergency Department and our team proceeded with a resuscitative cesarean delivery immediately. The training provided a clear mental framework that guided our actions under extreme pressure. I am grateful to have undergone OBLS and believe every OBGYN provider should have this training.”
— Dr. Tonya Tucker
Obstetrician Gynecology Resident
UConn Health
“OBLS should be mandatory for any healthcare worker treating women. The most comprehensive emergency pregnancy training I have ever taken.”
-Lt. Benjamin Sutton
Paramedic/Firefighter
Bulverde Spring Branch Fire/EMS
“OBLS made me more confident and provided an excellent framework for teaching and organization during emergencies”
-Dr. Krista Melhaff
Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist
University of Maryland
Dr. Timothy Crombleholme
Director, Fetal Care Center
"After learning about the program, I saw the value in initial and recurring training for our Pediatric specialists and subspecialists in OBLS. We are building a stand-alone hospital to treat pregnant patients who require fetal surgery or immediate neonatal intervention after birth. We wanted our Pediatricians to feel comfortable responding to a maternal medical emergency and knowing how to perform initial stabilization and management until the patient could get to a higher level of care. This course is critical for stand-alone birthing centers, fetal care centers, or hospitals with limited maternity services."