When should a trained provider perform resuscitative cesarean delivery in the event of cardiac arrest during pregnancy?

A resuscitative cesarean delivery should be performed within 5 minutes from the time of cardiac arrest during pregnancy. This rapid intervention is crucial because it can improve the chances of survival for both the mother and the fetus by relieving pressure on the major blood vessels and improving blood flow. During pregnancy, the enlarging uterus can compress the inferior vena cava and hinder effective circulation, particularly when the mother is in a supine position.

Acting within this 5-minute window ensures that the fetus can still have a better chance for survival and that the mother's condition can be stabilized. Delay beyond this timeframe significantly decreases the likelihood of successful resuscitation and increases the risk of morbidity for both the mother and the child since the fetus is at risk of hypoxia and potential brain injury. Therefore, timely intervention is essential in this critical situation.