Kemp USA Obstetrical Kit (OB Kit): Field Manual and SOP

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Kemp USA Obstetrical Kit (OB Kit): Field Manual and SOP

Category: First Aid Kits

Difficulty Level: Tier 4: Professional or Advanced Training Required

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Written by: Valerie Ellis Lavin

Quick Overview

The Kemp USA Obstetrical Kit is a single-use, disposable pre-hospital delivery assembly used by trained emergency responders including paramedics, EMTs, fire-rescue personnel, and law enforcement to manage imminent, unavoidable field childbirth when transport to a medical facility before birth is not feasible.

The OB Kit provides a complete sterile equipment set organized across four operational categories: PPE and field preparation, delivery and immediate newborn care, cord and placenta management, and post-delivery sanitation. Key components include gloves, a disposable apron, a 40"x48" drape, an absorbent underpad, three towels for drying and stimulating the newborn, four sterile gauze pads, a bulb syringe, two umbilical cord clamps, a disposable scalpel, a placenta bag, twist ties, an OB napkin, and two antiseptic towelettes. All items are single-use and sterile within their original packaging.

Deployment follows a five-phase protocol: preparation and scene setup, controlled delivery, immediate newborn care, cord and placenta management, and post-delivery care with transport preparation. Critical protocols include allowing the cord to cease pulsating for one to three minutes before clamping, suctioning the newborn airway only when obvious obstruction is present, and never pulling on the cord during placenta delivery. The scalpel is classified as a high-risk instrument and may only be used by personnel who are specifically trained and authorized under local medical direction.

This kit is designed for normal, uncomplicated cephalic deliveries only. It is not equipped to manage breech presentation, shoulder dystocia, postpartum hemorrhage, or neonatal resuscitation requiring advanced airway intervention or medications. After any deployment, the entire kit must be removed from service regardless of which components were used, and a new sealed kit must be installed before the unit returns to readiness.

Field Application Steps

1. CONFIRM IMMINENT DELIVERY AND DON PPE: Verify that delivery is unavoidable and transport before birth is not feasible. Open the OB Kit on a stable, clean surface, don the gloves and disposable apron immediately.

2. POSITION THE MOTHER AND ESTABLISH A CLEAN FIELD: Position the mother semi-reclined with knees flexed and apart, elevating hips with available blankets if on a gurney or floor. Place the underpad directly beneath her buttocks and unfold the 40"x48" drape underneath to create the widest possible clean field.

3. CONTROL CROWNING: As the baby's head crowns, apply gentle, steady pressure on the perineum with a gauze pad to slow delivery and reduce tearing. Do not attempt to hold the baby back or impede the natural delivery.

4. GUIDE SHOULDER DELIVERY AND CHECK FOR NUCHAL CORD: As the head emerges, check whether the umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck. If loose, slip it over the head; if tight and unreducible, clamp and cut immediately per local protocol. Guide the head downward to deliver the anterior shoulder, then upward to deliver the posterior shoulder.

5. DELIVER THE INFANT AND NOTE TIME OF BIRTH: Support the infant's body with both hands through complete delivery, as the newborn will be slippery. Record the exact time of birth immediately.

6. DRY, STIMULATE, AND WRAP THE NEWBORN: Place the newborn on the mother's abdomen, level with the perineum. Use the first towel to vigorously dry the infant, focusing on the head, to simultaneously warm and stimulate breathing. Discard the wet towel and wrap the newborn in a second dry towel to maintain thermal protection.

7. ASSESS AIRWAY AND SUCTION ONLY IF INDICATED: If the newborn is crying, no airway intervention is needed. If the infant is apneic or gasping with obvious secretions, fully compress the bulb syringe before insertion, suction the mouth first, then each nostril separately.

8. CLAMP THE UMBILICAL CORD AFTER PULSATION CEASES: Allow the cord to stop pulsating, typically one to three minutes, to complete blood transfer to the infant. Apply the first cord clamp approximately 6 to 8 inches from the infant's navel, then apply the second clamp approximately 2 to 3 inches further from the first, away from the infant.

9. CUT THE CORD IF AUTHORIZED: If trained and authorized under local medical direction, cut the cord cleanly between the two clamps using the disposable scalpel. Safeguard the scalpel in a sharps container immediately after use.

10. DELIVER THE PLACENTA AND CONTAIN IT: Do not pull on the cord. Allow the placenta to deliver spontaneously, up to 30 minutes. Guide the delivered placenta into the placenta bag and secure it with a twist tie for hospital transport.

11. PROVIDE POST-DELIVERY MATERNAL CARE: Place the OB napkin on the mother's perineum to absorb bleeding. Massage the uterine fundus, the firm ball palpable in the abdomen, to encourage uterine contraction and reduce hemorrhage risk.

12. DOCUMENT AND PREPARE FOR TRANSPORT: Record time of birth, sex of infant, and any complications including nuchal cord, meconium, apnea, or hemorrhage. Initiate immediate transport to the nearest appropriate facility and document receiving facility, time of transfer, and receiving provider upon handoff.

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER & SAFETY WARNING:
The information provided in this Luminary Global Field Manual is strictly for educational and informational purposes. It is not a substitute for formal medical, tactical, or professional training. In the event of a medical emergency, immediately seek professional help or contact emergency services. Luminary Global assumes no liability for the misuse of equipment, improper application of techniques, or any injuries/damages resulting from the use of these guidelines. Always rely on your official agency training, local laws, and established protocols during a crisis.