Emergency management of maternal collapse and arrest

The cause of maternal collapse and arrest is not always immediately apparent. A generic approach based on Basic and Advanced Adult Life Support is recommended. Key modifications to these algorithms are required in pregnancy. These include early intubation and the use of lateral tilt or uterine displacement.

If cardiopulmonary resuscitation is unsuccessful, delivery of the baby by perimortem caesarean section should be accomplished within 5 minutes. Senior multidisciplinary help should be summoned immediately by defined emergency pathways.

Richard Kaye