What should be the priority for managing a patient with placenta previa in the field?

In the case of a patient with placenta previa, the priority is to transport the patient without delay. Placenta previa occurs when the placenta is positioned abnormally low in the uterus, covering part or all of the cervix. This condition can lead to severe bleeding during labor, which poses significant risks to both the mother and the fetus.

Immediate transport is essential because any bleeding can become life-threatening, and the safest environment for managing such complications is in a hospital where appropriate medical interventions can be provided. Timely arrival to a facility equipped to handle complications associated with placenta previa greatly enhances maternal and fetal outcomes.

While monitoring fetal heart tones can be important in many obstetrical emergencies, in the case of significant bleeding or instability, keeping the mother and fetus safe through transport is more critical. Immediate vaginal delivery in this scenario could exacerbate bleeding, and providing oral fluids may not be advisable if the patient is experiencing significant hemorrhage or the need for surgical intervention could arise shortly after. Therefore, expedient transport ensures that the patient receives the necessary medical attention as soon as possible.