Friday 1 August 2025
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) has collaborated with the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust (EPT) to support clinicians working in Emergency Departments across the UK by providing updated information on recognising this common and potentially life-threatening condition.
It forms part of the Trust’s ‘Think Ectopic’ campaign coinciding with Ectopic Pregnancy Awareness Day (1 August 2025).
The condition affects around 1 in 80 pregnancies – occurring when a fertilized ovum (egg) is implanted in any tissue other than the womb.
This year’s theme is #NotJustAStatistic – a call to recognise and honour personal experiences.
And encourages people to share their own stories so they feel heard, and others realise that they are not alone.
RCEM has worked alongside EPT to produce an updated ‘Safey Flash’ about the condition as women who experience an ectopic pregnancy often arrive through the doors of an Emergency Department to seek urgent care.
The primary aim of RCEM’s safety flashes is to raise awareness of topical or emerging issues that Emergency Medicine clinicians may encounter while working.
Titled ‘Think Ectopic’, it features symptoms of ectopic pregnancy alongside clinical information.
Dr Sally-Anne Wilson, Chair of RCEM’s Safer Care Committee, who has been an A&E consultant for 18 years, said: “The College is happy to support the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust’s campaign to raise awareness of the common medical condition that, can be life-threatening and extremely traumatic.
“The symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy can vary from minor to severe and may result in people visiting an Emergency Department.
“But as some symptoms are common to other illnesses, we want to ensure all our members and their colleagues always consider this condition as a possible diagnosis.
“That’s why we have reissued our ‘Safety Flash’, to ensure our colleagues in EDs ‘Think Ectopic’ and are aware and informed about the condition when treating these high-risk patients.
“Alongside this we have also updated our discharge advice leaflet so patients are provided with additional information and details of support networks.
“It’s important we raise awareness of ectopic pregnancies, ensure patients are guided through every medical step with care and compassion, and receive the vital wrap around support they will need during a difficult time.”
Munira Oza, Chief Executive of The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust stated: “Women and people with symptoms sometimes attend emergency care with their concerns – in some cases, with extreme signs.
“ED clinicians having ectopic pregnancy in mind leads to rapid diagnosis and Ectopic treatment which can reduce the risk of serious harm and even save lives.
“Working with RCEM means that, at those critical times, ectopic pregnancy is remembered and can be ruled out or confirmed – which can make all the difference to patient care and safety.”
