Authors: Fischer E, Cunningham T, Jayanna K, Mony P, and Washington M

Description: One of the innovative quality improvement approaches mentors use in first referral units in Karnataka, India, is emergency obstetric and newborn care drills. Modeled after the concept of emergency drills used in disaster management, these drills are simulated life-saving emergencies involving staff and infrastructure preparedness. Staff at first referral units can encounter a variety of maternal and newborn emergencies that require a rapid response following clinical guidelines to administer lifesaving care. The mentoring visits provide an ideal occasion to bring the concept and practice of emergency drills to the first referral unit staff.