The ACOG Emergencies in Clinical Obstetrics (ECO) course includes standardized lectures to provide the necessary background as well as clinical checklists both for reference during the course and for use on-the-job. The simulation stations provide hands-on opportunities to practice individual skills and the critical teamwork and communication skills necessary to care for patients during obstetric emergencies.

The six obstetrical emergencies covered during the course include:

  • Breech vaginal delivery
  • Shoulder dystocia
  • Obstetric hemorrhage
  • Umbilical cord prolapse
  • Maternal cardiac arrest
  • Hypertensive emergency 

Course Learning Objectives

By successfully completing this course, participants should be able to:

  • List protocols for simulated cases complicated by shoulder dystocia, postpartum hemorrhage, umbilical cord prolapse, and vaginal breech delivery
  • Demonstrate correct technique and performance of key responsibilities during simulated obstetric emergencies
  • Demonstrate teamwork and communication for common obstetric emergencies

Course Highlights

  • Limited course size of 5-10 participants with 1-2 facilitators
  • Experiential learning: Each participant will get hands-on practice in delivery techniques
  • Teamwork: Participants will practice teamwork and communication skills during obstetric emergencies
  • Debriefing after each simulation/scenario

CME Credits


ACCME Accreditation
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists designates this live activity for a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

College Cognate Credit(s)
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists designates this live activity for a maximum of 6 Category 1 College Cognate Credits. The College has a reciprocity agreement with the AMA that allows AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ to be equivalent to College Cognate Credits.

The American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ABOG) has decided to allow providers attending simulation programs that meet specific criteria to be given credit for part IV of their Maintenance of Certification (MOC). The ECO course was designed with attention to these requirements and is eligible for this.