What documentation should be completed after a birth on scene?

• A. Complete Out of Hospital Birth Report Form (S-166A) and provide to parent
• B. File a paper copy with the EMS system
• C. Document in the patient care report only
• D. Provide only verbal report to the hospital

Answer: (A)

When a birth occurs on scene, the action most EMS protocols require is to complete the Out of Hospital Birth Report Form (S-166A) and provide it to the parent. This form is the standardized record for births that happen outside a hospital, capturing essential details about the mother, the infant, the birth process, and any interventions. Giving this form to the parent ensures they have an official document for birth registration and their child’s health records, and it also helps the hospital and public health systems align on the birth event and transfer of care.

Simply putting information into a patient care report, filing a copy with the EMS system, or giving only a verbal report to the hospital does not fulfill the need for a standardized, shareable birth record or ensure the parent receives the official documentation. The form provides a formal, portable record that accompanies the newborn through subsequent care and administrative processes.