Midwives are training paramedics across Alberta in out-of-hospital emergency childbirth skills.
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The Association of Ontario Midwives, in partnership with the Ontario Base Hospital Group (OBHG), developed the Paramedic Emergency Skills Program (PESP): Managing Birth Out-of-Hospital to support continued paramedic education. The PESP encompasses the evolving scope of paramedic practice as it relates to the management of uncomplicated childbirth and childbirth emergencies. The Association of Alberta Midwives is licensing this program to offer paramedics in Alberta.
The PESP is currently available in a hybrid learning format, including self-paced online preparation prior to the in-person workshop. The in-person workshop is a half-day event that focuses on scenario-based learning and debriefing in teams. The primary goal of the workshop is to provide paramedics with the knowledge, evidence-based practice, and hands-on skills to safely manage out-of-hospital childbirth and childbirth emergencies with confidence.
Emergency scenarios include the management of:
Uncomplicated childbirth, including nuchal cord management and placental delivery
Denied or hidden pregnancy, and other at-risk populations with limited prenatal care
Shoulder dystocia
Breech birth
Twin birth and multiple gestation
Malpresentation and cord prolapse
Postpartum hemorrhage
Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions below for additional information. Have more questions? Please contact alyssa.wiens@alberta-midwives.ca
Interested in hosting a PESP workshop? Complete the PESP request Form
PESP Frequently Asked Questions
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As part of registration, participation in the PESP workshop includes pre-workshop access to:
PESP manual, 2nd edition,
printable workshop guide,
pre-workshop eLearning course, and
multiple-choice (MCQ) self-assessment.
Registration fees also include the half-day in-person workshop which focuses on scenario-based learning and debriefing in teams. The primary goal of the workshop is to provide paramedics with the knowledge, evidence-based practice, and hands-on skills to safely manage out-of-hospital deliveries and childbirth emergencies with confidence.
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To prepare for the in-person workshop, registrants are required to read the PESP manual, review the eLearning course and workshop guide, and complete a multiple-choice (MCQ) self-assessment.
Registrants should allot 6-8 hours to complete all pre-workshop requirements.
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Will I be graded during the workshop and if so, is there a minimum passing grade?
No, you will not be graded during the PESP workshop.
The pre-workshop self-assessment is open-book and based on the contents of the PESP manual. The purpose of this self-assessment is to help guide your learning and preparation for the in-person workshop.
The in-person workshop is designed to have an emphasis on learning and building confidence rather than testing that results in a pass or fail. The focus is on review, repetition, reflection, and collaboration. This happens through discussion with instructors and other participants, role playing and scenario-based learning and debriefing.
Our goal is to ensure that you feel more confident in your ability to manage emergency childbirth situations in the pre-hospital setting.
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We anticipate the cost of the workshop to be, including all student materials, approximately $350 - $450 (plus GST). The cost will vary depending on location and venue availability.
Please note: The PESP Program Director is committed to assisting interested paramedics in acquiring funding, with the goal of rural and Indigenous paramedics participating at no personal cost. For more information, please email Alyssa Wiens at alyssa.wiens@albertamidwives.ca.
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Primary care paramedics
Advanced care paramedics
Paramedic educators
Paramedic students attending a recognized post-secondary paramedic program
Emergency Medical Responders
While EMRs may attend the PESP program, they are required to only work within their scope at all times regarding childbirth.
For questions related to eligibility requirements, please email alyssa.wiens@alberta-midwives.ca.
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Yes, upon completion of the PESP workshop you will receive a certificate of completion. EMRs, PCPs and ACPs who successfully complete the PESP workshop are eligible for CE credit with ACP at a rate of 1 credit per hour (approximately 15 CE credits). ACP is currently reviewing the PESP program as an approved CE course to be eligible for 3 credits per hour.
This information will be updated once there is confirmation of approval.
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Hosting a workshop in your community is the easiest way to register for a PESP workshop.
To host a PESP workshop, you will need to find at least two other participants and a venue in your community to host the workshop (e.g., paramedic station, hospital, etc.). A minimum of 3 participants per instructor is required.
A suitable venue should meet the following criteria:
a room that will hold 4-5 people and PESP equipment,
enough space to move comfortably and practice simulated emergencies, and
a table, bed, or stretcher where an obstetric torso can be placed to act out the scenarios.
Other equipment required for the workshop (e.g., obstetric torso, infant models, etc.) are included in the workshop fees.
If you are interested in hosting a PESP workshop, please complete the PESP request form.