Most pregnant women have little interest in thinking about the prospect of death. Mortality related to the pregnancy itself is rare, occurring in an estimated 1 of every 30 000 deliveries. Although cardiopulmonary arrest rarely occurs in pregnant women, it is important that the health care team knows the appropriate actions to take in such an event, to promote positive outcomes for both mother and fetus. We discuss important pathophysiological alterations during pregnancy and, including recommendations in the available literature, we present a standardized protocol for life support for mother. Perimortem cesarean section is rarely required, but it is important topic for two reasons. First, there is a clear imperative to promptly decide and act when PMCD is indicated. As in all emergency care, knowledge must precede the crisis rather than await it. Second, indications for PMCD have broadened considerably since 1980s, and the procedure may attain a more prominent role in the future. We believe that prompt cesarean delivery is the key to maternal and infant survival in such cases.