In 2009, the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia (OGSM) started the “Life Saving Skills in Obstetric Emergencies and Neonatal Resuscitation”, also known as the LSSC. This was developed by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, supported by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

A new course was developed to adapt to local needs and curriculum; hence the Intensive Course in Obstetric Emergencies (ICOE) was born. It is a customized and comprehensive course geared towards improving competency of medical personnel in the management of various obstetric emergencies with the aim of improving clinical outcomes, reducing maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in Malaysia and the region.

Since its launch in September 2014, ICOE has successfully conducted 36 courses for both doctors and midwives in Malaysia. Our passion to teach led us to organize courses in 12 other countries within the Asia Pacific region. Up to date, a total of 1941 healthcare professionals have been trained from various countries. It has gained endorsement from the Asia Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AOFOG) and continue to receive positive feedback from external quality assessors.

With the overwhelming and encouraging response from ICOE participants locally and regionally, we continuously endeavour to push the boundaries in improving the learning experience provided by ICOE to its participants.

The journey of ICOE, however, is not without its challenges. Besides funding, these include retention and retraining of trainers, lack of secretarial and research support. These challenges push us to strive harder for the continuing success of ICOE.

The story is just beginning. The increasing request from the region coupled with the passion of the trainers, makes it enticing to want to grow further. We may not make it safer every time everywhere but if the ICOE can make a difference sometime somewhere, then it makes the journey all the more worthwhile.