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The standard of monitoring in the obstetric theatre should allow the conduct of safe anaesthesia for surgery as detailed by the Association of Anaesthetists standards of monitoring.⁴¹

A fluid warmer device allowing rapid transfusion of blood products and intravenous fluids should be available.⁴²

A rapid infusion device should be available for the management of major haemorrhage.⁴¹

In tertiary units, with a high risk population, it is recommended that there should be equipment to enable near patient estimation of coagulation such as thromboelastography (TEG) or thromboelastometry.⁵⁷

Cell salvage may be considered for women who refuse blood products or where massive obstetric haemorrhage (MOH) is anticipated but it should not be used routinely for caesarean delivery. Women should be informed of the risks and benefits of its use and staff who operate this equipment should receive training in how to operate it, and use it frequently to...

Devices, such as forced air warmers, to prevent and/or treat hypothermia should be available.⁴⁵

The information should include the intended pathway (day surgery or enhanced recovery) and methods of pain relief.^47,61

A difficult intubation trolley with a variety of laryngoscopes, including video laryngoscopes; tracheal tubes (size 7 and smaller); laryngeal masks, including second generation supraglottic airway devices; and other aids for airway management, should be available in theatre. The difficult intubation trolley should have a standard layout which is identical to trolleys in other parts of the hospital so that users...

There should be arrangements or standing orders in place for agreed preoperative laboratory investigations. There should be a standard prescription or a local Patient Group Directive for preoperative antacid prophylaxis.

Haematology and biochemistry services to provide analysis of blood and other body fluids should be available 24/7.