Health professionals and emergency responders participated in a training called STORK, Stabilizing OB and Neonatal Patients, Training for OB/Neonatal Emergencies, Outcome Improvements, Resource Sharing, and Kind Care for Vulnerable Families, at Mississippi Center For Emergency Services in Jackson, Miss.

With delivery services becoming more scarce, rural hospitals struggling to stay open and the state’s infant and maternal mortality rates ranking among the highest in the country, those in the medical industry without special obstetrics training are in demand to help recognize and handle obstetric emergencies. This training, which was open to all medical professionals and first responders, was created by University of Mississippi Medical Center doctors and staff. It equipped participants with the knowledge to handle emergencies like high blood pressure and hemorrhage to save lives.

Dr. Rachael Morris, associate professor of maternal fetal medicine, birthing techniques during a training called STORK at Mississippi Center For Emergency Services in Jackson, Miss., Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Flowood firefighter Trey Callender, right, helps Dr. Rachael Morris, associate professor of maternal fetal medicine, with demonstrating how to deliver a baby in an emergency situation during a training called STORK at Mississippi Center For Emergency Services in Jackson, Miss., Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Health professionals listen as Dr. Rachael Morris, associate professor of maternal fetal medicine, Morris discusses postpartum hemorrhaging with health professionals and emergency responders during a training called STORK at Mississippi Center For Emergency Services in Jackson, Miss., Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Dr. Rachael Morris, associate professor of maternal fetal medicine, Morris discusses postpartum hemorrhaging with health professionals and emergency responders during a training called STORK at Mississippi Center For Emergency Services in Jackson, Miss., Wednesday, December 7, 2022. STORK is an acronym for Stabilizing OB and Neonatal Patients, Training for OB/Neonatal Emergencies, Outcome Improvements, Resource Sharing, and Kind Care for Vulnerable Families. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Simulator are in place for health professionals and emergency responders during a training called STORK at Mississippi Center For Emergency Services in Jackson, Miss., Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Dr. Tara Lewis, right, helps health professionals and emergency responders with identifying emergencies with a simulator during a training called STORK at Mississippi Center For Emergency Services in Jackson, Miss., Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Health professionals and emergency responders use a simulator to practice delivering a baby during a training called STORK at Mississippi Center For Emergency Services in Jackson, Miss., Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
A simulation of child being placed in an incubator takes place during a training called STORK at Mississippi Center For Emergency Services in Jackson, Miss., Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Simulators are in place for health professionals and emergency responders during a training called STORK at Mississippi Center For Emergency Services in Jackson, Miss., Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Health professionals and emergency responders practice with helping a simulator breath after delivering a baby during a training called STORK at Mississippi Center For Emergency Services in Jackson, Miss., Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Registered Nurse Kailey Phillips practices infant airway management skills during a training called STORK at Mississippi Center For Emergency Services in Jackson, Miss., Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Health professionals and emergency responders use a simulator to practice delivering a baby during a training called STORK at Mississippi Center For Emergency Services in Jackson, Miss., Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Matthew Greer talks about his experience with a training called STORK at Mississippi Center For Emergency Services in Jackson, Miss., Wednesday, December 7, 2022. STORK is an acronym for Stabilizing OB and Neonatal Patients, Training for OB/Neonatal Emergencies, Outcome Improvements, Resource Sharing, and Kind Care for Vulnerable Families. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today