Key content required for adult basic life support and the adaptations required in a pregnant or postpartum woman. Using national guidelines and literature we present clear content on the initial emergency management required for a woman that has collapsed and a systematic presentation for the multi-professional care required. Key learning points: Recognise maternal collapse and call for help early from the appropriate emergency or cardiac arrest team (2222/999). Know the location of emergency equipment e.g. cardiac arrest trolley, automated external defibrillator (AED) and anaphylaxis box. Use early warning score charts (e.g. MEWS/MOEWS) routinely to help identify women at risk of collapse. Use a systematic ABCDE (airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure) approach to assess and manage maternal collapse. Use a structured assessment, such as the 4 Hs and 4 Ts, to help to establish a cause for maternal collapse and guide treatment. For collapse in pregnancy, minimise the effects of aortocaval compression by positioning in full left lateral (e.g. recovery position). For cardiopulmonary resuscitation, minimise aortocaval compression with left uterine displacement.