The HELPERR
Mnemonic
Basic and immediate intervention in management of shoulder dystocia.
H - Call for help.
This refers to activating the pre-arranged protocol or requesting the appropriate personnel to respond with necessary equipment to the labor and delivery unit.
E - Evaluate for episiotomy.
Episiotomy should be considered throughout the management of shoulder dystocia but is necessary only to make more room if rotation maneuvers are required. Shoulder dystocia is a bony impaction, so episiotomy alone will not release the shoulder. Because most cases of shoulder dystocia can be relieved with the Mc Roberts maneuver and supra pubic pressure, many women can be spared a surgical incision.
