Midwives and Disaster Relief

This project was undertaken to address the needs of pregnant women in disaster preparedness, and to create awareness of the potential role that midwives can assume in Utah disaster relief measures. This was accomplished by communicating the role of midwives to stakeholders in the community and state, and through a presentation to local midwives to increase awareness and encourage their involvement in disaster relief planning and care. The project had 6 main objectives; to determine the gaps in the current State of Utah plan for immediate and recovery phases of disaster relief in regards to pregnant women in Utah; to define the possible role of midwives in disaster planning and relief; to submit a white paper to the Utah Department of Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Program managers that addressed the gaps in the care of pregnant women and the role of midwives in disaster relief; to develop an educational handout for pregnant women about disaster planning; and to disseminate disaster preparedness information to midwives through a presentation and informational handout at a regional ACNM meeting. The chance of an earthquake occurring in Utah is higher than the national average, ranking as the sixth most likely state to experience a catastrophic earthquake. When an earthquake occurs in Utah, the destruction is predicted to be devastating. This will most likely leave hospitals inaccessible, and relief workers stretched and without the ability to reach those who are injured. Many will be without vital necessities. The World Health Organization designates pregnant women to be among those who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of disasters such as earthquakes. Research indicates that pregnant women involved in a disaster are at higher risk for pregnancy-related morbidities. This affects not only the woman, but her family, unborn child, and ultimately the health and wellbeing of society. Because pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the effects of disasters, it follows that a comprehensive disaster relief plan should include special considerations for their care and that of their newborns throughout the immediate and recovery phases of disasters. This plan should ensure that pregnant women are well educated and prepared for potential disasters. Currently, no strategic disaster relief plan exists in Utah that specifically addresses the care of pregnant women and their newborns during or after a catastrophe. Additionally, it is essential that women's healthcare providers, such as midwives, are involved in the planning of disaster relief measures and are participants in disaster response and recovery. Project implementation included writing and submitting a white paper addressed to community and Utah state disaster relief planners. The white paper advocated for the inclusion of pregnant women and their families in disaster relief plans. In addition, it outlined the scope of various levels of midwifery practice and birth center locations to encourage the use of midwives as women's health care providers in disaster planning and relief. The project also included the development of an educational handout for pregnant women and midwives addressing disaster preparedness, and delivery of a presentation to midwives about their role in disasters. To ensure maximum awareness and education, the patient handout, midwife handout, presentation notes, and white paper were distributed to all Utah birth centers and midwifery practices.