Normal vaginal birth: Enhancing Emergency Medical Technicians’ Knowledge and Skills in Bangalore, India

Abstract

Background: Maternal mortality remains a public health concern in India. Emergency medical services (EMS) provide critical, time-sensitive care, especially in emergencies such as trauma, cardiac arrest, and obstetric cases. In India, the role of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) is crucial in pre-hospital care, yet many EMTs, particularly those trained at the basic level, lack the skills necessary to assist in normal vaginal births. This study aimed to assess the outcome of skills-based training on enhancing EMTs' knowledge and skills in assisting women in normal vaginal birth. Methods: A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design was used, involving 30 EMTs from selected ambulance services in Bangalore to assess outcome of skill-based training on assisting women in normal vaginal births using a knowledge questionnaire and an observation checklist on Assisting Women in Normal Vaginal Birth. The training program included a pre-test, interactive educational sessions, practical demonstrations, and a post-test to evaluate improvements in knowledge and skill proficiency. Results: In the pre-test, 23.3% of EMTs had inadequate knowledge, and 76.6% had inadequate skills. Post-training, 80% achieved adequate knowledge, and 73.3% demonstrated moderate skills, with significant improvements in both knowledge (t = 9.63, p =0.01) and skills (t =8.24, p = 0.01). Significant associations were found between pre-test knowledge and skills and variables like education and prior obstetric experience of the EMTs. Discussion: The findings emphasize the effectiveness of targeted training in improving EMTs’ proficiency in managing imminent normal vaginal births. Recommendations include periodic refresher courses and real-life training in labor rooms during EMT certification programs.