In the case of a postpartum bleeding in the prehospital setting, which of the following should NOT be done?

In the case of postpartum bleeding in the prehospital setting, the option of carefully placing sanitary pads in the vagina is typically not advised. While it may seem logical to absorb blood loss, this approach can hinder proper assessment and management of the bleeding. In an emergency context, especially with postpartum hemorrhage, it's crucial to expedite treatment rather than introduce barriers that could complicate the situation.

Maintaining clear access to the vaginal area is important for evaluating the source of the bleeding and ensuring that the uterus can be effectively managed, either through compression or medication. Applying sanitary pads could also delay necessary interventions, such as uterine massage or the administration of medications like oxytocin if bleeding is excessive.

In contrast, administering IV fluids is essential for volume resuscitation, massaging the uterus can stimulate uterine contraction to reduce bleeding, and monitoring vital signs is vital for assessing the patient’s hemodynamic status. Each of these actions supports effective management of a potentially life-threatening situation.