If it helps any, there's 3 categories of emergency C-section. Each with its own level of "rush" depending on the well being of mum and/or baby. Cat 1 wants baby out within 30 minutes (immediate threat to life), Cat 2 within 75 minutes (ongoing compromise to mum/baby unlikely to resolve), and Cat 3 within 24 hours (no problems, just baby needs to come out i.e. mum goes into labour before elective date).
What you could do is draw a line where you feel continuing would be counterproductive. E.g. baby out within 24 hours of first contraction, or if no dilation within 4 hours. Discuss with your midwife and consultant, as I have no idea where a realistic line for you would be. I'm just a gal from the internet.
Anyway, my point is that there doesn't have to be a rush. Once your line has been reached, even if you and baby are fine, you can have a C-section. You'll be low down in priority, so might have to wait a while, but you'll be closely monitored the whole time.
I had a Cat 2 C-section, due to failure to progress (awful term, though accurate) and repeated fetal decelerations (the actual reason for the C-section, even if they only mention the former). I waited about 45 minutes for a theatre to be freed up. I had my epidural topped up, then waited to get numb. Took longer than expected, but as baby and I were fine, there was no rush at any time. The only complication I had post surgery was wound infection, but that was more down to having a massive overhang and over doing it.
Hope that helps a little bit.