CORE provides hands-on, simulation-based training, multidisciplinary education, and practical quality improvement support directly to rural emergency departments. By bringing mobile simulation drills into local ED environments, CORE supports emergency physicians, nurses, APPs, and EMS personnel to practice rapid response, standardize clinical protocols, and refine transfer pathways for maternal and neonatal crises.

CORE (Colorado Obstetric Readiness in Emergency Care) is a statewide initiative by the Colorado Perinatal Care Quality Collaborative (CPCQC) designed to strengthen obstetric emergency readiness in rural and low-volume emergency departments across Colorado. Supported by funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program through the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF), CORE brings hands-on, simulation-based training and clinical resources directly to rural communities.

Program Overview & Objectives

In low-volume emergency settings, obstetric and neonatal emergencies are infrequent but high-risk events. CORE equips emergency providers, nursing staff, and first responders with the tools, practice, and confidence needed to act quickly and safely when a maternal crisis occurs.

Key focus areas of the CORE program include:

• Rapid Recognition & Stabilization: Improving clinical workflows for high-risk obstetric emergencies like hemorrhage, severe hypertension, and emergency delivery.
• Onsite Simulation & Drills: Tailored, mobile simulation-based scenario training delivered in the local emergency department environment.
• Team Communication & Role Clarity: Promoting interdisciplinary coordination, closed-loop communication, and defined roles during emergency scenarios.
• Neonatal Support & Resuscitation: Essential stabilization and care guidelines for newborns delivered in emergency settings.
• Transfer Coordination & Escalation: Strengthening inter-facility transfer protocols, EMS coordination, and regional care networks.
• CMS Standards Alignment: Aligning emergency department protocols with CMS Conditions of Participation (CoP) for emergency obstetrical readiness.

In low-volume emergency settings, obstetric and neonatal emergencies are infrequent but high-risk events. CORE equips emergency providers, nursing staff, and first responders with the tools, practice, and confidence needed to act quickly and safely when a maternal crisis occurs.
Key focus areas of the CORE program include:
Rapid Recognition & Stabilization: Improving clinical workflows for high-risk obstetric emergencies like hemorrhage, severe hypertension, and emergency delivery.