Refer a patient for a caesarean section due to fetal distress during labour when there is an immediate threat to the life of the fetus, such as suspected fetal hypoxia or persistent fetal bradycardia. This situation classifies as a Category 1 caesarean birth, which requires performing the caesarean as soon as possible, ideally within 30 minutes of the decision being made.
If there is maternal or fetal compromise that is not immediately life-threatening, this is classified as a Category 2 caesarean birth. In this case, the caesarean should be performed as soon as possible, generally within 75 minutes of the decision.
Decisions should involve a consultant obstetrician, and the urgency classification should be clearly documented to aid communication between healthcare professionals.