12)
A pregnant woman walks into the A&E department and collapses; the collapse is witnessed by
the receptionist. The patient is unresponsive and has no breathing or pulse. CPR is commenced
immediately, and an emergency call goes out. The obstetric registrar arrives 3 minutes and CPR
is commenced. Medical and anaesthetic teams are already performing the necessary advanced
adult life support, including lateral uterine displacement. There is pulseless electrical activity,
and adrenaline has been given. There are no notes or relatives with the woman, but there is a
letter with an antenatal clinic appointment. This confirms she is 25 years old and pregnant. Her
uterine fundus is above the maternal umbilicus. There is an ultrasound machine in the A&E. The
team asks the obstetric registrar what additional measures should occur. What important course
of action should be taken in addition? Options