Breech Delivery
Abreech delivery occurs when the baby's legs and buttocks emerge first. Follow the steps for a normal delivery, and support the lower extremities with one hand. If the head does not emerge within 3 minutes, try to maintain an airway by gently pushing fingers into the vagina. Push the vagina away from the baby's face and open its mouth with one finger. Get medical assistance immediately.

Prolapsed Cord
If the cord precedes the baby, protect it with moist, sterile wraps. If a physician cannot be reached quickly, place the mother in an extreme shock position. Give the mother oxygen, if available, and gently move your gloved hand into the vagina to keep its walls and the baby from compressing the cord. Get medical assistance immediately.

Excessive Bleeding
If the mother experiences severe bleeding, treat her for shock and give her oxygen, if available. Place sanitary napkins over the vaginal entrance and rush her to a hospital.

Limb Presentation
If a single limb presents itself first, immediately get the mother to a hospital.

SUMMARY
A medical emergency can occur at anytime. You must be prepared to act expeditiously and confidently, whether you are in a combat situation, on board a naval vessel, or at the Navy Exchange. This chapter covers the preliminary steps you should follow when managing sick or injured patients. The preliminary emergency steps include triage, patient assessment, and, when needed, basic life support. Other related topics covered in this chapter are breathing aids, shock, diagnosis and emergency treatment procedures for medical conditions and injuries, morphine use for pain relief, and other common emergencies. In the following chapters, diagnosis and emergency treatment procedures for medical conditions and injuries will be discussed.