Why didn't you place an IV line already?

Delay in medical care has a si

gnificant impact on outcomes. Licensed Midwives are trained to recognize complications, provide the appropriate first-line response, and access emergency assistance when necessary. Imagine the frustration Licensed Midwives feel in Virginia when they are faced with a complication, yet are legally unable to provide emergency care they are trained to perform competently. Imagine the frustration EMTs feel when they respond to these calls for help. Imagine how much better the outcome would be if Licensed Midwives could legally provide the care they are trained to provide.

I was attending a birth. Labor was progressing normally although it was not a short labor. Vitals were normal and all was well. The mother came in from taking a little breather outside in the cooler night air. I looked at her for a moment and noticed she looked a little pale, shortly after me noticing this she stated “I feel light headed.” My team quickly assessed her vitals and we found them concerning. I called Emergency Medical Personel immediately. They arrived and began to work to transport the mother calmly and efficiently. As they worked one EMT approached me and asked “why haven’t you placed an IV line already?” I replied “I would have liked to have that prepared for you but in Virginia I can’t do that. I am trained to place an IV and in the state I’m from I was allowed to but not here.” We agreed that would have made the transition and transport faster and easier because the EMTs would not have had to take additional time to place an IV.