Fast Action After Childbirth: How EECC Helped Save Diana’s Life

For Diana Alberto Mwigune, a 32-year-old mother from southwestern Tanzania, the birth of her fourth child was a moment of joy. But that joy quickly turned to fear. Not long after delivery, Diana began bleeding heavily. She felt weak, confused, and afraid. She feared not just for herself, but for the future of her newborn and her other three children.

Fortunately, a nurse on the ward noticed the change in Diana’s condition. Trusting her instincts—and using her training in Essential Emergency and Critical Care (EECC)—she acted immediately.

EECC is a practical approach to identifying and treating critically ill patients using simple, life-saving interventions. It focuses on checking vital signs, giving oxygen or fluids, stopping bleeding, and providing timely, supportive care. It doesn’t depend on high-tech equipment—just good training, basic supplies, and a systematic approach.

The nurse quickly checked Diana’s vital signs. Her blood pressure was dangerously low, her heart rate was racing, and there was a large amount of blood in the bed. Diana was in shock and at serious risk. The nurse called for help, and a clinical officer arrived within moments. The team worked quickly to give intravenous fluids to raise her blood pressure, administer oxytocin, and perform a uterine massage to stop the bleeding.

Their actions were calm, coordinated, and effective.

Over the next few hours, Diana’s condition stabilised. Her bleeding slowed. Her blood pressure began to return to normal. She was closely monitored, given the care she needed, and two days later, she was well enough to return home—back to her family with her newborn baby girl.

Diana recovering in a post-natal ward

Diana’s story is a powerful reminder that heavy bleeding after childbirth—postpartum hemorrhage—is still one of the leading causes of maternal death worldwide. But most of these deaths are preventable.

When health workers are trained in EECC and have access to basic supplies such as IV fluids, oxytocin, gloves and gauze, they can respond quickly and effectively. They can save lives.

At EECC Global, we believe that no mother should die from a preventable emergency. Diana survived because her care team recognised the signs of critical illness and acted fast. It didn’t take complex equipment or an intensive care unit—just the right training, the right tools, and the courage to act.

This is EECC: simple, timely, life-saving care—exactly when it matters most.