PURPOSE:
Waterbirth is an increasingly popular option among women. However, ensuring the safety of birthing individuals and their babies necessitates specific competencies that include effective pool evacuation. The available evidence underscores the critical need for practical, hands-on training in pool evacuation as part of midwifery education to enhance team preparedness and reduce the risk of negative outcomes during waterbirth.

DISCUSSION:
In the Skills Lab of the University of Applied Sciences in Fulda/Marburg (Germany), midwifery students participated in practical simulations of emergency pool evacuation during waterbirth. After an initial theoretical introduction, students practiced evacuating a real birthing person from a water-filled inflatable pool using a net and adjustable bed, closely mirroring real clinical settings. The scenario involved a sudden maternal collapse, requiring immediate action: calling for help, supporting the head, and safely transferring the person from the pool to a bed using coordinated teamwork. Safety measures included non-slip mats and clear communication signals. Repeated simulations allowed students to improve their technique, reducing evacuation time to under two minutes. This experiential training hopefully contributes to students’ confidence and preparedness to manage rare but critical waterbirth emergencies. A formal evaluation of the training’s effectiveness is scheduled for 2026.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Although emergencies during waterbirth are infrequent, documented cases demonstrate that sudden complications can occur, requiring prompt and skilled evacuation from the birthing pool. Delays in removing individuals following a collapse may be associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

KEY MESSAGE:
Regular, hands-on training in pool evacuation not only equips midwives with the necessary skills and confidence to act quickly in emergencies, but also fosters a culture of safety and preparedness. By embedding pool evacuation drills into midwifery education, we ensure that future midwives are ready to respond effectively—protecting mothers, babies, and the integrity of waterbirth as a safe birthing option. Poster session 3 (Group B)