ABSTRACT
Gynecologic emergencies are relatively common and include ectopic pregnancies, adnexal torsion, tubo-ovarian abscess, hemorrhagic ovarian cysts, gynecologic hemorrhage, and vulvovaginal trauma. In the acute care setting, clinicians anticipate that emergencies can happen at any time. Being prepared for the gynecologic emergency takes planning and interdisciplinary collaboration. Understanding the unique needs of the gynecologic patient requires a level of compassion and specific skill set that allow the clinician to illicit information, perform a workup, and administer timely care in the emergent setting. The Joint Commission expects certified hospitals to adopt evidence-based practice protocols and use standardized team-oriented communication tools and simulation to maximize a coordinated response to patient emergencies. Having standard protocols and a good working relationship with emergency clinicians and gynecologists will help facilitate the evaluation of the acute patient and minimize delay of care, especially in the reproductive-aged female.
