Most emergency departments do not have a separate perimortem C-section pack sitting on the shelf. And when you finally need it, that is not the time to make one up. Most emergency departments have some type of major cutdown or mini-laparotomy tray available. Here is the absolute minimum required. Make sure these are on your existing tray.

• Large scalpel – note that this should be a disposable type that is opened and dropped onto the tray
• 3 large retractors for the helpers
• Toothed forceps
• Metzenbaum scissors
• Heavy scissors
• Multiple large clamps and hemostats

Yup, that’s all the heavy equipment you really need!