Following the delivery of a baby, the mother has moderate vaginal bleeding. What action should the EMT take?

After the delivery of a baby, moderate vaginal bleeding may indicate potential complications such as uterine atony, which is when the uterus fails to contract effectively after childbirth. One of the critical actions an EMT should take in this situation is to keep the mother supine and massage the fundus of her uterus.

Massaging the fundus helps stimulate uterine contractions, which can significantly reduce bleeding. This intervention is vital because it helps the uterus return to its normal size and function, effectively decreasing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Additionally, keeping the mother in a supine position is important as it allows for better blood flow and access if further interventions or assessments are necessary.

Option choices providing other actions either do not directly address the cause of the bleeding or could potentially exacerbate the situation. For instance, using gauze pads improperly could impede proper assessment and management of the bleeding. Similarly, sitting the mother up or placing her on her side may not facilitate the necessary uterine contraction and could increase the risk of further bleeding.

Therefore, massaging the fundus while keeping the mother supine is the most appropriate and effective action for the EMT to help manage moderate vaginal bleeding following childbirth.