Amniotic Fluid Embolism

🔑 Key Priorities

  • Early recognition and high index of suspicion

  • Support cardiovascular and respiratory systems

  • Coordinate multidisciplinary response

🧠 Team Actions

Role

Task

Team Leader

Declare AFE, initiate resuscitation, coordinate obstetrics

Airway Manager

Secure airway, 100% Oâ‚‚, consider early intubation

Circulation

IV access, start vasopressors, CPR if needed

Obstetric Lead

Expedite delivery if indicated

🧭 Management Algorithm

  1. Sudden hypoxia, hypotension, or coagulopathy → suspect AFE

  2. Call for help: obstetrics, ICU, haematology

  3. Airway: 100% Oâ‚‚, consider early intubation

  4. Circulation: start CPR if cardiac arrest, adrenaline boluses/infusion

  5. Coagulopathy: activate massive transfusion protocol (MTP)

  6. Expedite delivery if undelivered fetus

  7. Consider ECMO if refractory hypoxaemia/collapse

🔄 Ideal Crisis Flow

         Suspected Amniotic Fluid Embolism
                     ↓
     Support Airway + Breathing + Circulation
                     ↓
     Activate MTP, Deliver Baby if Not Yet Born
                     ↓
          ICU + Consider ECMO Support

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