Theory, algorithms and equipment required in the case of a woman is who pregnant, or recently postpartum, who suffers a cardiac arrest. Thorough, but clear, explanations of advanced life support including initial management and aftercoming care to be delivered by the maternity multi-professional team. Key learning points: Cardiac arrest is a rare but challenging event. The physiological changes of pregnancy mean that slight alterations to standard adult advanced life support are needed – this includes left uterine displacement. Prompt decision making is required for resuscitative hysterotomy (previously known as perimortem caesarean) if the woman’s gestation is greater than 20 weeks and return of spontaneous circulation does not occur. Resuscitative hysterotomy should be performed ideally within four minutes of collapse (although do not wait for four minutes if resuscitative hysterotomy can be performed sooner), with the aim of delivering the fetus within five minutes of the collapse. Resuscitative hysterotomy should be undertaken at the site of the cardiac arrest; minimal equipment is required. Any clinical areas within maternity settings should have a designated emergency box for performing resuscitative hysterotomy. Post-resuscitation care should be systematic and multi-professional.