What is the most important prehospital intervention for a footling breech or transverse presentation of a baby?

In the case of a footling breech or transverse presentation during labor, the most crucial prehospital intervention is rapid transport to the hospital. This is because these types of presentations can lead to significant complications during delivery, including the risk of cord prolapse and inadequate oxygenation of the fetus. When the baby is not in the optimal head-down position, it may require advanced medical intervention and skills that are only available in a hospital setting. Prompt transport ensures that the mother and baby can receive the necessary care quickly, which can be vital for their health and safety.

While keeping the mother warm, delivering high-flow oxygen, and establishing maternal vascular access are important supportive measures, they do not address the urgent need for surgical or advanced obstetric care that may be required in breech or transverse presentations. The priority is to get the mother to a facility where this level of care is available, making rapid transport the most critical intervention in these scenarios.