ABSTRACT
Massive obstetric haemorrhage is defined as sudden, continuing blood loss of 2000 ml or more. These include the senior specialist registrar in obstetrics, the anaesthetic senior specialist registrar and midwives. The blood bank should be informed immediately, giving the patient's name, ward, date of birth and hospital number. Send a blood group/cross-match sample urgently to the blood bank, labelling it appropriately. The blood bank should be notified when the need for massive blood transfusion has ceased or if 'flying squad' blood was used. If red-cell antibodies are present in the patient's serum, the blood bank technician will alert the physician in charge of the patient and the haematologist, and discuss how to proceed. It is essential that an intensive care unit (ICU) chart is maintained throughout the management of patients with massive obstetric haemorrhage, and consideration should be given to transferring the patient to the ICU. Massive obstetric haemorrhage is one of the most dangerous situations encountered in obstetric practice.
