How should emergency medications be prepared before a known obstetric emergency?

In an obstetric emergency, rapid access to emergency medications is crucial for the well-being of both the mother and the fetus. Preparing these medications in advance, especially pre-drawing them and making them easily accessible in a crash cart, ensures that the healthcare team can quickly administer the necessary treatment without wasting precious time. This proactive approach allows for efficient response to critical situations such as postpartum hemorrhage or severe hypertensive crises, where time is of the essence.

Keeping medications out of reach, placing them in the refrigerator, or mixing them fresh for each patient can introduce delays and complications during an emergency. These practices can hinder timely pharmacologic interventions and potentially compromise patient outcomes. Thus, having medications readily available in a crash cart as part of an emergency preparedness strategy aligns with best practices in emergency medicine and obstetrical care.